To resolve a longstanding impasse, OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed artificial intelligence research organization, is set to appoint several new board members in March, as reported by the Washington Post on Thursday. This development comes in the wake of CEO Sam Altman’s dismissal by the former board in November, followed by his swift reinstatement and the formation of a new initial board, chaired by Bret Taylor, the former co-CEO of Salesforce.
End of impasse and ongoing restructuring
The impasse within OpenAI emerged following the contentious dismissal of CEO Sam Altman in November, which prompted a period of uncertainty within the organization. Altman’s subsequent return, along with the formation of a new board, aimed to steer OpenAI through this turbulent phase. Since then, the organization has actively sought to augment its board with six new members possessing expertise spanning technology, safety, and policy domains.
OpenAI’s Dynamics with Microsoft and Investors
Microsoft, a key backer of OpenAI, is expected to assume a non-voting, observer position on the board, as indicated by Altman following his reinstatement. Notably, OpenAI investors are unlikely to secure seats on the non-profit’s board, a move aimed at preserving the organization’s independent governance structure. The composition of OpenAI’s previous board included notable figures such as entrepreneur Tasha McCauley and Helen Toner, director of strategy at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology.
Scrutiny by regulatory authorities
Meanwhile, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reportedly initiated an investigation into internal communications by Altman, as per reports by the Wall Street Journal. The investigation aims to ascertain whether OpenAI’s investors were misled, underscoring heightened scrutiny surrounding the organization’s operations.
As OpenAI moves forward with its board restructuring efforts, the appointment of new members in March signals a pivotal juncture for the organization. Amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny and the imperative to chart a course for the future, OpenAI remains committed to advancing its mission of developing safe and beneficial artificial intelligence technologies.
