Altman officially back as OpenAI CEO with new board
CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES — OpenAI announced that co-founder Sam Altman is returning as chief executive officer (CEO), replacing interim CEO Mira Murati.
The artificial intelligence startup also unveiled a new initial board, consisting of Bret Taylor as chair, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo.
The San Francisco-based OpenAI develops advanced AI systems like ChatGPT. Altman co-founded the company in 2015 and served as CEO until the previous board unexpectedly fired him on November 17th. His dismissal triggered chaos, with President Greg Brockman quitting in protest and most of the 800 employees threatening to resign unless Altman was reinstated.
After tense negotiations, OpenAI reached an agreement in principle for Altman and Brockman to return. The company didn’t lose any of its employees and customers throughout the ordeal.
“I am sure books are going to be written about this time period, and I hope the first thing they say is how amazing the entire team has been,” Altman said in a blog post. “You stood firm for each other, this company, and our mission.”
Altman has said his top priorities are advancing OpenAI’s research in beneficial AI, improving its products, and serving customers. Key investor Microsoft will join the board as a non-voting observer.
The new board will focus on governance reforms and overseeing an independent review of Altman’s firing.