OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman is set to rejoin the board of the ChatGPT-maker alongside three newly appointed directors, the artificial intelligence firm announced on Friday.
Following an inquiry by law firm WilmerHale into the circumstances surrounding Altman's abrupt dismissal in November, OpenAI has implemented new governance protocols and reinforced its conflict of interest policy. The board unanimously reaffirmed its support for Altman's leadership.
The reinstatement of Altman initially met with surprise and concern from employees, investors, and major stakeholder Microsoft, was swiftly reversed within days.
OpenAI has named Sue Desmond-Hellmann, former CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Nicole Seligman, former president of Sony Entertainment, and Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart, as new directors.
Expressing his welcome to the new board members, Altman emphasised the importance of the forthcoming tasks ahead.
These appointees will join existing board members Adam D'Angelo, CEO of Quora, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and Chairman Bret Taylor, former co-CEO of Salesforce.
According to findings by WilmerHale, Altman's dismissal did not stem from concerns related to OpenAI's financial matters or product safety, but rather from a breakdown in the relationship and trust between the previous board and Altman.
OpenAI disclosed that the prior board acted within its authority to terminate Altman, yet his conduct did not necessitate removal, as per the law firm's investigation.
In response to the inquiry's findings, OpenAI is adopting new corporate governance standards and establishing a whistleblower hotline. The company is also reinforcing its conflict-of-interest policy, although specific details regarding these enhancements were not provided.
Altman's reinstatement, prompted by a near-universal threat of employee departure unless he was restored and the board resigned, ignited discussions on the governance of OpenAI. This resulted in the announcement of a restructured board under Taylor's leadership, which notably excluded Altman.
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