In a significant development, the board of directors at OpenAI, Inc., the 501(c)(3) overseeing all OpenAI operations, has announced the departure of CEO Sam Altman. This announcement coincides with the immediate appointment of Mira Murati, the current Chief Technology Officer, as the interim CEO.
Mira Murati, an integral member of OpenAI’s leadership team for the past five years, has been pivotal in shaping OpenAI into a global leader in artificial intelligence. Her extensive experience within the company, coupled with her proficiency in AI governance and policy, uniquely positions her to lead as interim CEO. She currently oversees the company’s research, product, and safety functions.
The decision for Mr. Altman’s departure followed a thorough review by the board, revealing a lack of consistent candor in his communications, hindering the board’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities. Consequently, the board expressed a loss of confidence in Mr. Altman’s leadership capabilities.
The board is committed to OpenAI’s mission of ensuring the benefits of artificial general intelligence for all of humanity. Acknowledging Sam Altman’s contributions, the board emphasized the necessity of new leadership for the company’s future. Mira Murati’s appointment is seen as ensuring a smooth transition while the board conducts a formal search for a permanent CEO.
The board also highlighted that OpenAI’s growth, both in structure and mission, remains rooted in its governance responsibility to advance the company’s fundamental mission and uphold the principles of its Charter. As part of this transition, Greg Brockman will step down as chairman of the board but will continue in his role at the company, reporting to the CEO.
OpenAI, originally founded as a non-profit in 2015, restructured in 2019 to allow for capital raising while maintaining its non-profit mission, governance, and oversight. The majority of the board comprises independent directors, ensuring a commitment to the core principles and mission of OpenAI.
