In a surprising turn of events, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, announced his departure from the company on Friday. Altman, a prominent figure in the tech industry, will be succeeded by Mira Murati, the current technology chief, on an interim basis.
The decision came following a statement released by the board of directors, citing issues with Altman’s communication. According to the board, Altman’s lack of consistent transparency hindered their ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Consequently, they expressed a loss of confidence in his leadership capabilities.
OpenAI’s board comprises esteemed figures like chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, tech entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, and Helen Toner from the Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology. As the governing body of OpenAI’s activities, the board plays a pivotal role in decision-making within the organization.
Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s president, will be stepping down as chairman of the board. However, he will retain his role within the company, reporting directly to the CEO.
Altman responded to the news through a post on X, expressing his love for the company but refrained from commenting on the accusations made by the board. He hinted at discussing his future plans in due time.
The departure of Altman and the reorganization at the top echelons of OpenAI mark a significant transition for the organization. Murati steps into a challenging role amidst high expectations, as OpenAI continues to navigate the complexities of the technology landscape.
Source: CNBC