Sam Altman Seen Visiting OpenAI Headquarters—Is This Sign He'll Be Re-Hired as CEO?

On Nov. 17, Sam Altman made huge headlines after getting ousted as the chief executive of OpenAI, as announced by the AI tech firm.

Now, the former OpenAI CEO was seen for the last time at the company's headquarters in San Francisco. Altman even posted a photo of him on Monday, Nov. 20.

He said that it was the "first and last time" he'd wear one of these as he holds a guest pass attached to an OpenAI lanyard. But, some rumors claim that his supposed to be "last visit" could be a sign that Sam Altman could be re-hired as OpenAI's CEO.

Sam Altman Seen Visiting OpenAI Headquarters

(Photo : JOEL SAGET/AFP via Getty Images)
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addresses a speech during a meeting, at the Station F in Paris on May 26, 2023. Altman, the boss of OpenAI, the firm behind the massively popular ChatGPT bot, said on May 26, 2023, in Paris that his firm's technology would not destroy the job market as he sought to calm fears.

According to CNN Business' latest report, Sam Altman visited OpenAI's HQ on Sunday, Nov. 19. Although the ex-CEO didn't provide the exact reason for his visit, many people familiar with the AI firm's activities shared their speculations.

Rumors claim that the board engaged with Altman, as well as Greg Brockman-OpenAI's former president who resigned after learning about Altman's termination.

Sources said that the two ex-OpenAI officials returned to the office because the board was having second thoughts about re-hiring them.

Although Altman and Brockman haven't confirmed if they are planning to go back to the AI company, many people believe that their visit on Sunday is a clear sign they are still "mulling" a return.

first and last time i ever wear one of these pic.twitter.com/u3iKwyWj0a
— Sam Altman (@sama) November 19, 2023

If ever the former CEO accepts the board's alleged return offer, there's a chance that he will impose conditions. These could include making Microsoft, the largest investor in OpenAI, to be a part of the board.

Aside from Microsoft, speculations also claim that Altman could be planning to add more of his allies as directors. As of writing, the termination of Altman is a big deal for OpenAI given that the board is down to four members.

Why OpenAI Should Disclose Reason for Sam Altman's Termination

It is still unclear why OpenAI's board decided to remove Sam Altman as CEO, and it looks like they have no plans to provide an explanation soon.

But, Elon Musk said that the artificial intelligence developer has the responsibility to disclose the main reason for Altman's termination.

Via Business Insider, Elon Musk said that this should be done since the potential danger of AI is too great.

"Given the risk and power of advanced AI, the public should be informed why the board felt they had to take such drastic action," said the billionaire.