The board of OpenAI has removed Sam Altman, CEO and prominent figure in the artificial intelligence sector, citing a loss of confidence in his leadership.
The board expressed dissatisfaction with Altman’s communication transparency, hindering their ability to fulfill responsibilities. OpenAI, known for its ChatGPT bot, has played a significant role in shaping AI discussions.
Altman, a key player in the industry, had previously testified before Congress on AI regulations.
Altman acknowledged his departure on social media, expressing gratitude for his transformative time at OpenAI and hinting at future plans.
The board’s decision has reverberated through the industry, with former Google boss Eric Schmidt praising Altman as a hero and expressing anticipation for his future endeavors.
OpenAI’s president and co-founder, Greg Brockman, also resigned in response to Altman’s removal, citing pride in the company’s accomplishments but aligning his decision with recent events.
OpenAI, initially a non-profit founded in 2015, underwent restructuring in 2019 and is now backed by Microsoft. Recent reports indicated the company’s potential valuation at over $80 billion.
The board clarified that its members, including experts in AI and technology, do not hold shares in the firm, emphasizing their commitment to OpenAI’s mission and principles.
Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati assumes the interim chief role, while the board seeks a permanent replacement.
OpenAI, known for its ChatGPT’s human-like responses, faces challenges such as legal actions regarding copyright infringement and criticisms from co-founder Elon Musk for straying from its non-profit origins.