OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Reinstated Following ‌Independent Investigation

WilmerHale Finds No Grounds for ​Removal

An independent probe led by law firm WilmerHale has determined that⁣ OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s actions did not warrant his dismissal from the company’s board. The‍ investigation, commissioned by OpenAI’s‍ nonprofit board, comes after Altman survived an attempted boardroom coup⁢ in November. He will now ‍rejoin ‌the board and continue leading the company alongside co-founder Greg Brockman.

Board Expansion and New Members

In addition⁤ to Altman’s reinstatement,⁣ OpenAI board⁢ chair Bret Taylor ​announced the appointment of three new board members: Sue Desmond-Hellmann, former CEO of the Bill‌ and Melinda⁣ Gates Foundation;⁢ Nicole Seligman, a former legal executive⁤ at Sony; and Fidji Simo, CEO of ⁣Instacart. They will join Taylor, Altman, Quora‌ CEO Adam D’Angelo, and Larry Summers in​ overseeing OpenAI’s nonprofit parent company.

Investigation Findings Lack Specifics

The public summary of WilmerHale’s investigation provides little insight into the reasons behind Altman’s sudden termination last fall. The law firm stated that the board believed firing⁣ Altman would “alleviate internal management​ challenges,” but the decision was not ‌related to ⁢concerns about product ⁣safety,⁤ security, development pace, finances, or communications with ⁣investors, customers, or business partners.

The investigation summary echoes the vague language used by OpenAI’s previous board to justify Altman’s dismissal,⁤ citing a “breakdown in the relationship and loss of trust” between the board and Altman. WilmerHale also found that‍ the prior board⁤ acted⁣ “without advance‌ notice ⁣to key⁣ stakeholders⁤ and without ‌a full inquiry or an⁤ opportunity for ‍Mr. Altman to address the prior ​Board’s concerns.”

Altman Apologizes and Looks Forward

During a brief video call‌ with ⁢reporters, Altman apologized for believing that “a former OpenAI board member was harming⁢ OpenAI through their actions” ⁢but declined to provide further​ details.‍ Reports suggest that Altman clashed with ex-board member Helen Toner ​over a critical ⁤academic paper she co-authored and that ⁢concerns were⁤ raised about potential conflicts of interest ⁣posed ‍by Altman’s ‌other‍ investments.

OpenAI announced plans to “strengthen” its conflict of interest policy for employees and create a‌ whistleblower hotline for employees and contractors.‍ Altman appeared cheerful ​during the call, sitting alongside Bret Taylor.⁢ When‌ asked about the employment status of co-founder ⁣and chief⁤ scientist Ilya Sutskever,‌ who was involved in⁣ the failed‌ coup but later changed sides,⁤ Altman said there‌ was “nothing to announce” ‌but​ praised Sutskever, expressing hope that they would ⁢continue working together.

“Ilya is ​awesome, I hope we work together‍ for the rest of our careers.”

Altman also addressed recent “leaks” intended to “pit us against each other,” stating that they had⁣ “not worked” ‌and expressing ‍his satisfaction ⁢that “this whole thing⁣ is over.”