From Sam Altman's OpenAI ouster to Microsoft AI research CEO | TIMELINE

Following a surprise ouster, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joined Microsoft as the head of artificial intelligence research

Nearly all of OpenAI staff have threatened to quit unless the board resigns and Sam Altman is reinstated as the CEO. (AFP)

Following a surprise ouster, OpenAI co-founder and former CEO Sam Altman joined Microsoft as the head of artificial intelligence research along with the ChatGPT maker's former President Greg Brockman and other staff. The developments come less than a year after OpenAI kicked off the generative AI frenzy with the launch of viral chatbot ChatGPT and bagged Microsoft as an investor, among other big names. 

Nearly all of OpenAI staff have threatened to quit unless the board resigns and appoints two new lead independent directors apart from reinstating Altman and Brockman, according to a letter seen by Reuters. 

Nov. 17: OpenAI board fires CEO, co-founder Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman quits after being removed from the board. Company names Mira Murati as interim CEO 

Nov. 18: Altman's firing was over a "breakdown in communication between Sam and the board," and not "malfeasance", COO Brad Lightcap says in an internal memo Nov. 18 Early investor Khosla Ventures says it wants Altman back at OpenAI, "but will back him in whatever he does next" 

Nov. 18: Some employees contemplated quitting if Altman was not restored as CEO by the end of the weekend, while others expressed support for joining his new venture, people familiar with the matter said 

Nov. 19: Altman discusses a possible return to the company, considers launching new AI startup, source tells Reuters Nov. 20 Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says the Windows maker has hired Altman, Brockman and their colleagues to lead a new advanced AI research team 

Nov. 20: OpenAI appoints former Twitch boss Emmett Shear as interim CEO. Shear pledges probe into Altman's exit. OpenAI board approaches rival Anthropic's CEO on merger, for taking top job, sources say 

Nov. 20: Nearly all OpenAI staff threaten to quit and join Altman at Microsoft if board doesn't resign, according to a letter seen by Reuters 

Nov. 20 Some investors in OpenAI explore legal recourse against the company's board, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters,