After much drama, Sam Altman will return as CEO of OpenAI. An agreement, in principle, has been reached for his return, and OpenAI announced a revamped initial board, with Bret Taylor as Chair, along with Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo.

This development follows recent negotiations led by Altman, with Airbnb chief Brian Chesky and former Salesforce CEO Bret Taylor by his side, while interim CEO Emmett Shear and Adam D’Angelo represented the board’s perspective.

“I love OpenAI, and everything I’ve done over the past few days has been in service of keeping this team and its mission together. When I decided to join Microsoft on Sunday evening, it was clear that it was the best path for me and the team. With the new board and with Satya’s support, I’m looking forward to returning to OpenAI, and building on our strong partnership with Microsoft,” Altman said in a statement posted on X.

Microsoft chief Satya Nadella, who previously expressed his disappointment with the former board, said, “We are encouraged by the changes to the OpenAI board. We believe this is a first essential step on a path to more stable, well-informed, and effective governance.”

“Sam, Greg, and I have talked and agreed they have a key role to play along with the OAI leadership team in ensuring OAI continues to thrive and build on its mission. We look forward to building on our strong partnership and delivering the value of this next generation of AI to our customers and partners” he added in his statement. 

Interim CEO Emmett Shear, in his statement said, “I am deeply pleased by this result after ~72 very intense hours of work. Coming into OpenAI, I wasn’t sure what the right path would be. This was the pathway that maximized safety alongside doing right by all stakeholders involved. I’m glad to have been a part of the solution.”

Greg Brockman who left OpenAI alongside Altman said, “Returning to OpenAI & getting back to coding tonight.”