In a significant turn of events, OpenAI has reinstated Sam Altman as CEO, just a week after his abrupt removal by the company’s board. This decision marks a new chapter for the AI research firm, which is also welcoming Microsoft in a non-voting capacity on its newly restructured board. Altman’s return follows a period of controversy, where the OpenAI board cited a lack of candor in his communications as the reason for his initial dismissal. The board’s lack of confidence in his leadership led to the appointment of CTO Mira Murati as interim CEO. Altman praised Murati’s exceptional leadership during this transitional phase, confirming her return to the CTO role. OpenAI Restructuring and Microsoft’s Involvement The newly formed OpenAI board will see Bret Taylor assuming the role of Chair, replacing Greg Brockman. The board will also include economist Larry Summers, Quora co-founder and CEO Adam D’Angelo, and a non-voting observer from Microsoft, the company’s largest investor. Altman emphasized the board’s diversity and experience, reflecting the multifaceted mission of OpenAI. Altman also addressed potential conflict of interest concerns regarding Adam D’Angelo’s dual role as a board member and CEO of Quora and Poe. He assured that D’Angelo had been transparent and responsible in managing these concerns. The reappointment of Altman and Brockman as CEO and President respectively, only 72 hours after their departure, signifies a strong comeback. Altman expressed gratitude towards Microsoft’s leadership for their support during this tumultuous period and is optimistic about the future of their partnership. As OpenAI continues its journey in building beneficial AGI, the return of its co-founder and the new board dynamics are set to influence the direction and governance of one of the leading entities in AI research. The post OpenAI Welcomes Back Sam Altman as CEO, Microsoft Joins Board appeared first on Metaverse Post.

In a significant move, OpenAI, the leading artificial intelligence (AI) research organization, has revamped its board of directors without extending invitations to its biggest investors, including tech giant Microsoft, Thrive Capital, and Khosla Ventures. New board composition OpenAI recently reinstated co-founder and CEO Sam Altman to the helm of the organization after a controversial ousting by the previous board. The reconstitution of the board saw the appointment of high-profile individuals, including former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor, and Quora founder Adam D’Angelo.  These new members have assumed critical roles in shaping the direction of OpenAI, notably without representation from its most substantial financial supporters. Microsoft’s significant backing Microsoft, a tech industry giant, stands out as OpenAI’s most prominent backer, having invested over $10 billion in the organization. Khosla Ventures was an early investor, while Thrive Capital led a recent funding round that valued OpenAI at an impressive $80 billion. The board’s decision to exclude these influential investors signals a shift in focus towards OpenAI’s core mission—developing AI for the benefit of humanity—rather than prioritizing financial interests. OpenAI has been at the forefront of AI research, with its employees claiming significant advancements in the field. However, concerns about the safety of AI technology have surfaced. While details of these safety concerns remain undisclosed, OpenAI researchers have reportedly voiced apprehensions about the potency and potential risks associated with AI. Analysts weigh in The decision to exclude key backers like Microsoft from the board has prompted mixed reactions among industry analysts. Some argue that this move could be shortsighted, as Microsoft’s substantial financial support would naturally warrant a say in OpenAI’s strategic direction.  Moreover, OpenAI’s unique structure, operating as a non-profit overseeing a for-profit entity, may face challenges without input from commercial stakeholders. Microsoft’s interest in OpenAI’s governance has been evident, with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressing a desire for a seat on the board. In a recent statement, Nadella emphasized Microsoft’s commitment to its partnership with OpenAI and hinted at the importance of OpenAI’s leadership in determining the future of their collaboration. Microsoft has also taken steps to bolster its AI capabilities by hiring several former OpenAI employees to form a new AI team within the company. In response to inquiries about the revamped OpenAI board, a Microsoft spokesperson maintained that they would await an official statement from the board. This development leaves room for potential future collaboration discussions and highlights the importance of transparent communication between OpenAI and its significant stakeholders.