OpenAI executive addresses firing of CEO Sam Altman in memo to employees

OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap addressed the firing of CEO Sam Altman in a brief message to employees on Saturday, according to CNBC.

Lightcap wrote in the memo, obtained by CNBC, that everyone was taken by surprise and that he had numerous conversations with the board trying to understand their decision.

“We can confidently say that the board’s decision was not made in response to any malfeasance or anything related to our financial, business, safety or security/privacy practices,” he said. he writes.

Lightcap echoed similar comments made by the company on Friday, pointing to a “communication breakdown” between Altman and the board.

He wrote that discussions and options regarding the path forward are ongoing, but that the company remains strong and that Microsoft is a fully engaged partner.

Here is the full memo Lightcap shared with employees Saturday morning:

“Team — after yesterday’s announcement, which surprised us all, we have had several conversations with the board to try to better understand the reasons and process behind their decision. These discussions and options regarding our path forward continue this morning.

We can confidently say that the Board’s decision was not made in response to any crime or anything related to our financial, business, safety, or security/privacy practices. This was a breakdown in communication between Sam and the board. Our position as a company remains extremely strong and Microsoft remains fully committed to our partnership.

Mira has our full support as CEO. We still share your concerns about how the process was handled, we are working to resolve the situation and will provide you with updates where possible.

I’m sure you all feel confusion, sadness, and maybe a little fear. We are fully focused on managing this situation, seeking resolution and clarity, and getting back to work. Our collective responsibility right now is to our teammates, partners, users, customers, and the world at large who share our vision of broadly beneficial AGI. Hang in there, we’re behind you 1000%.