- Sam Altman is stepping down as OpenAI’s CEO and leaving the board after the board lost confidence in his leadership due to lack of transparency.
- OpenAI CTO Mira Murati will take over as interim CEO during the transition period as she has extensive leadership experience at OpenAI.
- Despite the leadership turmoil, OpenAI’s independent-majority board remains committed to the company’s mission of developing AI safely for broad benefit.
OpenAI, the AI research company, announced a major leadership change today. Sam Altman is stepping down as CEO and leaving the board of directors. The company’s CTO, Mira Murati, will take over as interim CEO.
Background on OpenAI
OpenAI was founded in 2015 as a non-profit to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits humanity. In 2019, it restructured to allow outside investment while preserving the nonprofit mission and oversight. The board aims to advance OpenAI’s charter of using AI safely for broad benefit.
Departure of Sam Altman
After reviewing Altman’s performance, the board concluded he was not consistently transparent with them. This undermined their oversight duties. As a result, the board has lost confidence in Altman’s leadership. He is immediately departing as CEO and leaving the board.
Mira Murati Named Interim CEO
Murati has been part of OpenAI’s leadership for 5 years. She has overseen research, products, and safety. Her experience makes her well-qualified to lead during the transition, per the board. She will temporarily assume the CEO role while the board searches for a permanent replacement.
Board Commitment to OpenAI’s Mission
Despite the turmoil, OpenAI’s independent-majority board remains committed to the company’s mission. They believe new leadership is necessary going forward. The board has full confidence in Murati to steer OpenAI at this time.
