Altman’s Back and Microsoft’s In: OpenAI Welcomes New CEO and Board Member!

OpenAI has experienced a series of significant developments in recent weeks, including the dismissal and subsequent reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman by the board members. Alongside Altman’s return, the company has made notable alterations to its board, welcoming three new members. Additionally, Microsoft has secured a position on the board, albeit as a silent member. Explore Microsoft’s role within the OpenAI board and its contribution to ensuring the company’s prosperity.

Sam Altman returns as CEO of OpenAI

The Verge reported on a memo Altman shared with employees about his return as CEO and the company’s future plans. In the memo, Altman said, “I’ve never been more excited about the future. I’m extremely grateful for everyone’s hard work in an uncertain and unprecedented situation, and I believe our tenacity and spirit will set us apart in the industry. I feel so good that we are likely to succeed in accomplishing our mission.”

Altman is still discussing the role of Ilja Sutskever, OpenAI’s founder and chief scientist, as he means Ilja no harm and they are currently discussing his role in the company as he was also fired from OpenAI’s management team.

Microsoft will become a board member of OpenAI

Satya Nadella voiced his concerns at OpenAI’s board, during which he said, “Right now, I think it’s very clear that there needs to be a change around governance.” He also added that Microsoft is having a “good dialogue with its board about this.” quotes CNBC.

Now The Verge reports that Microsoft will be OpenAI’s new non-voting observer on the nonprofit’s board. The company revealed the news Wednesday with new board members — chairman Bret Taylor, Larry Summers and Adam D’Angelo. D’Angelo was also part of four board members who wanted to fire Altman, but it appears that he will not lose his position on OpenAI’s board. Now Mircosoft also joins the seat, but its role in the board is silent, as it can observe all OpenAI’s plans and decisions, but it cannot actively vote on any of the company’s plans.

Microsoft already owns a large stake in OpenAI, as it is the largest investor with a 49 percent stake in the AI company. However, Microsoft has so far refrained from taking a seat on the board. Now the partnership is expected to deepen and strengthen with OpenAI’s new move.