In a recent announcement, Microsoft has assumed a non-voting, observer position on the board of OpenAI, according to the company's CEO, Sam Altman. This strategic move allows Microsoft's representative to attend board meetings and access confidential information but does not grant them voting rights, particularly in matters related to the election or selection of directors.
The decision comes after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who had previously recruited Altman to Microsoft following his departure from OpenAI, emphasized the need for governance changes within the ChatGPT maker.
OpenAI, in response, unveiled a new initial board last week, led by former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor as chair and featuring prominent figures such as Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary, and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo. Notably, D'Angelo, who was part of the board that terminated Altman, retained his position in the newly formed board.
Bret Taylor indicated his intention to step away from overseeing OpenAI once transitional tasks are completed, paving the way for an active search for new board members with expertise in technology, safety, and policy. Sources suggest that OpenAI investors are unlikely to secure seats on the non-profit board, signaling a commitment to diverse and independent leadership.
Microsoft's substantial investment of over $10 billion in OpenAI has secured the tech giant a 49% ownership stake. However, Microsoft has yet to comment on this recent development.
The reinstatement of Sam Altman as CEO, just four days after his sudden ouster on November 17, marked a pivotal moment for OpenAI. The company's new board also sees the return of Altman's co-founder, Greg Brockman, who is set to assume the role of president. Altman clarified that he and Brockman are partners in running the company, emphasizing their collaborative leadership.
In a notable shift, OpenAI's chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, will no longer be part of the board. Sutskever had initially joined efforts to remove Altman but later expressed regret for his participation and signed an employee letter demanding Altman's return. Altman, in response, expressed his appreciation for Sutskever, describing him as a guiding light in the field of artificial intelligence.
The company is actively exploring how Sutskever can continue his contributions to OpenAI in a different capacity. With these changes, the future of OpenAI, a pivotal player in the artificial intelligence landscape, appears to be taking shape under the renewed leadership and strategic collaborations outlined by CEO Sam Altman.
