In a surprising move, Sam Altman, former CEO of OpenAI, has joined Microsoft, as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed in a recent tweet. Altman, Greg Brockman, and other former OpenAI employees will spearhead a new advanced AI research team within Microsoft.

Nadella expressed Microsoft’s commitment to its partnership with OpenAI and confidence in the product roadmap, innovation capabilities, and ongoing support for customers and partners. Altman responded to Nadella’s tweet, stating, “The mission continues.”

The Microsoft CEO also mentioned, “We look forward to getting to know Emmett Shear and OAI’s new leadership team and working with them. And we’re extremely excited to share the news that Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, together with colleagues, will be joining Microsoft to lead a new advanced AI research team. We look forward to moving quickly to provide them with the resources needed for their success.” 

Microsoft’s significant investment in OpenAI and the integration of its technology into Microsoft’s offerings, including Bing, highlight the importance of this collaboration. Altman’s move to Microsoft adds a new dimension to the tech landscape, bringing his expertise to advance AI research within the company.

This development comes after Altman’s abrupt departure from OpenAI, which was announced in a blog post by the company on Saturday. The post cited inconsistencies in Altman’s communications with the board, leading to a loss of confidence in his ability to lead OpenAI. 

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, appointed former Twitch chief Emmett Shear as its new CEO on the same day Altman’s departure was announced. This move followed calls from investors for new leadership.