The saga surrounding OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has a new twist. The fired CEO appears to be winning the power struggle with the board and is rehired.

Who else can follow? Just five days after his unexpected departure from OpenAI, Sam Altman may be making an even more unexpected return. The company said in a brief statement yesterday that it had agreed in principle to reappoint Altman as CEO. Chairman Greg Brockman, who also left in solidarity with Altman, would also return.

In order not to stand in the way of Altman’s reinstatement, the rebellious board would have had to pack its bags. An interim council was appointed to assemble a new board. The interim council includes Bret Taylor, former CEO of Slack. Adam d’Angelo is the only survivor of the previous council.

Takeover failed

Just five days ago, OpenAI announced Altman’s surprising departure. By removing Altman, the board committed a power grab; the official reason for this was insufficient transparent communication. Altman tried a counteroffensive with investors at his side, but since OpenAI is run by a nonprofit, they don’t really have much say in the boardroom. But after employees also sided with Altman, the council found itself with its back against the wall.

On Monday, Microsoft proudly announced its latest additions, Altman and Brockman. Microsoft also won’t stand in the way of Altman’s return to OpenAI. OpenAI is an important partner for Microsoft in its ambitious AI plans. Altman now knows that he can count on Nadella and Co., which can only benefit the relationship between both companies upon his return.

We now have to wait until everything is officially finalized. This marks the end of a turbulent week for OpenAI and at the end of the day everything is back to normal.