Nadella says Sam Altman will join Microsoft in AI research role

The news: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says ousted former OpenAI boss Sam Altman will join the tech giant to "lead a new advanced AI research team".

The numbers: Microsoft is OpenAI's largest outside investor, having poured USD13 billion into the company. But it was blindsided by Altman's removal over the weekend. Altman is yet to comment on the new role.

The context: Altman was abruptly fired from OpenAI over the weekend, sending shockwaves throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. Greg Brockman, OpenAI's president resigned following the announcement. Talks for both Altman and Brockman to OpenAI following an outpouring of anger from staff and investors ultimately fell apart.

What they said: "[W]e’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" Satya Nadella said in a statement posted to LinkedIn and X.