OpenAI, a leading entity in the artificial intelligence domain, has announced a significant shift in its leadership. Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer of the organization, has been appointed as the interim CEO following the departure of Sam Altman, who has also stepped down from the board of directors.
According to the official statement, the decision comes after a detailed review found that Altman “was not consistently candid in his communications with the board,” which “no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI.”
Murati, who has been an integral part of OpenAI’s leadership team for five years, is celebrated for her pivotal role in the company’s evolution. Her comprehensive understanding of the company’s values, operations, and business, and especially her leadership in research, product, and safety functions, positions her as a strong fit for the role of interim CEO. The board expressed confidence in her abilities, anticipating a smooth transition as they commence a formal search for a permanent CEO.
The board, comprising chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, independent directors like Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, technology entrepreneur Tasha McCauley, and Helen Toner from the Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology, also announced changes in its structure. Greg Brockman, co-founder of OpenAI, will step down as chairman of the board but will continue his association with the company in a different capacity.
OpenAI, established as a non-profit in 2015, has been at the forefront of AI research and development. The organization underwent restructuring in 2019 to align with its mission while enabling capital-raising efforts. This transition, while crucial for its governance, underlines the board’s commitment to preserving the principles of OpenAI’s Charter amidst its growth and evolution.