It turns out that millionaire tech moguls have more in common with the rest of us than we might have imagined, even in their ostensibly exclusive world. According to recent disclosures, leading CEOs in Silicon Valley allegedly have a secret WhatsApp group with more than 100 members, providing access to industry rumors and conjecture.
The group, as reported by The New York Times, features heavyweights like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Dropbox chief Drew Houston. When Sam Altman, the former CEO of OpenAI, faced an unexpected ousting in November, the group buzzed with speculation about the reasons behind his departure.
“Sam is out,” read one message in the group on November 17. However, the true catalyst for Altman’s removal remained a mystery, prompting a flurry of messages speculating on what might have led to the unexpected decision.
Altman’s removal from the helm of OpenAI was as abrupt as it was mysterious. The initial statement from OpenAI’s board mentioned Altman’s lack of consistent candor in his communications with the board but refrained from providing further details. The void of information led to even more conjecture within the tech elite’s private forum.
In response to the uncertainty surrounding Altman’s departure, OpenAI appointed lawyers from WilmerHale to conduct a thorough review of the events leading up to his firing. This move, announced by OpenAI chairman Bret Taylor on November 29, signals the seriousness with which the organization is approaching the situation.
While Altman was reinstated as OpenAI’s CEO a few days after his removal, the incident has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Silicon Valley’s behind-the-scenes dynamics. As the industry titans grapple with internal changes and uncertainties, the WhatsApp group stands as a testament to the shared human inclination for speculation, even among the most powerful figures in technology.