A PYMNTS Company

OpenAI Ousts Sam Altman as CEO

 |  November 17, 2023

In a surprising turn of events, OpenAI announced on Friday that Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO, has been ousted from his position. The decision came after a thorough review process by the board, revealing concerns about Altman’s communication transparency.

The company, in a blog post, stated, “Mr. Altman’s departure follows a deliberative review process by the board, which concluded that he was not consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities.” The board expressed a loss of confidence in Altman’s leadership capabilities, prompting this significant change at the top.

Sam Altman, a co-founder of OpenAI, played a pivotal role in the company’s inception and growth. Initially serving as a co-chair alongside Elon Musk, Altman continued as the sole CEO after Musk’s departure in 2018 to avoid potential conflicts of interest with Tesla.

To fill the leadership vacuum left by Altman’s departure, Mira Murati, Chief Technology Officer at OpenAI, will step in as the interim CEO. Murati brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, providing continuity during this transitional period.

OpenAI is now set to embark on a search for a permanent CEO successor. The company aims to find a leader who can navigate the complex landscape of artificial intelligence and maintain OpenAI’s commitment to transparency, collaboration, and groundbreaking advancements in the field.

Source: OpenAI