Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer, assumes the role of interim CEO at OpenAI as Sam Altman departs from the company
The board of directors at OpenAI, Inc., the overarching governing body responsible for overseeing the entirety of OpenAI's initiatives, has formally announced a significant leadership transition. Sam Altman, the current CEO and a member of the board, will be stepping down from both roles. Simultaneously, Mira Murati, OpenAI's Chief Technology Officer, has been appointed as the interim CEO with immediate effect.
Mira Murati, a pivotal figure in OpenAI's leadership for the past five years, brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Her comprehensive understanding of the company's values, operations, and business operations, coupled with her current leadership over research, product, and safety functions, positions her as an exceptionally qualified leader during this interim period. The board acknowledges her integral role in OpenAI's evolution into a global AI leader.
Sam Altman's departure comes after a thorough review by the board, revealing concerns about the consistency of his communications. This perceived inconsistency has been deemed as hindering the board's ability to effectively fulfill its responsibilities, leading to a loss of confidence in Altman's continued leadership at OpenAI.
In an official statement, the board expressed the organization's steadfast commitment to its mission of ensuring that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity. Despite recognizing Altman's contributions to the founding and growth of OpenAI, the board believes that new leadership is essential to navigate the company's future endeavors successfully. Mira Murati's appointment as interim CEO is seen as a strategic decision, allowing for a seamless transition while a formal search for a permanent CEO is underway.
In this transitional period, Greg Brockman, who served as chairman of the board, will step down from this role. However, he will continue in his current capacity at the company, reporting to the interim CEO.
OpenAI, initially established as a non-profit in 2015, underwent a restructuring in 2019 to enable capital raising while preserving its core mission and governance structure. The majority of the board comprises independent members, emphasizing the importance of maintaining OpenAI's mission and adhering to the principles outlined in its Charter. This leadership transition signifies a critical moment for OpenAI as it continues to navigate its substantial growth and uphold its commitment to advancing artificial general intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
