Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the company behind the artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT, has been removed from his position by the board of directors, citing a lack of sincerity in communication that hindered his ability to fulfill responsibilities.
The decision, prompted by a board review, concluded that Altman’s communication lacked transparency, eroding the board’s confidence in his leadership. OpenAI expressed the need for new leadership aligned with their mission of ensuring AI benefits humanity.
Altman, 38, responded on the X social network, stating, “I loved my time at OpenAI. It was transformative for me personally and hopefully a bit for the world too.”
Mira Murati, OpenAI’s technical director with a five-year tenure, will serve as the interim replacement for Altman. As part of the restructuring, board chairman Greg Brockman will step down but remain part of the team.
Founded in late 2015, OpenAI has received financial support from notable figures like LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, investor Peter Thiel, and Elon Musk. Microsoft, a significant investor, pledged a long-term commitment, emphasizing support for Mira Murati in ushering in a new era of AI.
Analysts suggest Altman’s dismissal may give Microsoft more control within the company. Altman’s role has been pivotal in guiding ChatGPT’s success since its launch in November 2022, sparking competition in the AI landscape.
Despite its popularity, concerns about AI, particularly in terms of democracy and employment, persist. Altman, who has testified before the US Congress on AI, has been a key figure in addressing these concerns, showcasing the delicate balance between AI advancements and ethical considerations.