Microsoft has announced that it will be stepping down from its non-voting seat on OpenAI’s board, citing confidence in the AI company’s progress and direction. This move comes months after Microsoft gained an observer seat on the board. OpenAI has confirmed that there will no longer be any observers on the board, which dispels rumors of Apple potentially gaining a similar position.
OpenAI expressed gratitude to Microsoft for their support and voiced excitement about continuing their successful partnership. The organization also highlighted their new approach to engaging strategic partners and investors under the leadership of CFO Sarah Friar.
The changes in OpenAI’s board began last year when Sam Altman was fired and subsequently rehired by the company. This reshuffling led to a new board composition, which includes prominent figures such as former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, Instacart CEO Fidji Simo, and ex-Sony Corp EVP Nicole Seligman, among others.
While OpenAI has experienced shifts in its leadership and board, some notable researchers have also left the company. Andrej Karpathy and Ilya Sutskever, two top researchers, have departed from OpenAI. Sutskever went on to establish a new AI company called Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI), which focuses on enhancing AI safety.
These developments in OpenAI’s board and research team indicate a dynamic landscape within the AI industry. The departure of Microsoft as an observer seat holder may suggest that OpenAI has reached a point where they no longer require external oversight. However, the impact of these changes on OpenAI’s future trajectory remains to be seen. As the field of AI continues to evolve rapidly, it is crucial for organizations like OpenAI to adapt their strategies and partnerships to stay at the forefront of innovation.
