OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman is set to return to the company’s board, according to an announcement on Friday. Altman’s reinstatement follows an investigation by law firm WilmerHale into the circumstances surrounding his abrupt firing in November. The investigation found that Altman’s dismissal was not related to financial concerns, product safety, or other operational issues but was a result of a breakdown in the relationship and loss of trust between Altman and the prior board.
OpenAI has implemented new governance rules, strengthened its conflict-of-interest policy, and welcomed three new directors to the board—Sue Desmond-Hellmann, Nicole Seligman, and Fidji Simo. Altman, who will be returning to the board, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming work. The November decision to oust Altman had caused shock among employees, investors, and Microsoft, OpenAI’s major financial backer. Altman’s firing was swiftly reversed within days after widespread dissent from the company’s workforce and supporters.
Also Read: OpenAI Moves to Dismiss Musk’s Lawsuit Claims
The investigation by WilmerHale did not find grounds for Altman’s removal based on his conduct. Instead, it highlighted a breakdown in the relationship and a loss of trust between Altman and the previous board. OpenAI is adopting new corporate governance guidelines, establishing a whistleblower hotline, and strengthening its conflict-of-interest policy. The company’s blog post did not provide detailed insights into these changes.
Altman’s return and the subsequent reshaping of the board indicate a resolution to the internal disputes that arose in November. OpenAI, known for its advancements in artificial intelligence, continues its work with the newly appointed directors and renewed governance structures in place.
