OpenAI's new board takes over, Microsoft to have observer role

ChatGPT maker OpenAI's new board has officially taken over the company. The new board has also mentioned that it would add an observer role for partner Microsoft.

OpenAI's new board

The three members of the new board were announced last week when Sam Altman returned to OpenAI after his dramatic removal. In a note to employees on Wednesday, OpenAI's interim chairman Bret Taylor has said that the replacement directors’ priorities include creating an independent committee to review the events around Altman’s ouster.

Also Read: Sam Altman to return as OpenAI CEO

He further added that the directors will enhance OpenAI’s governance structure so all stakeholders “can trust that OpenAI will continue to thrive". As per the note, the company is also seeking a diverse slate of additional directors to expand the board.

As per Wall Street Journal, the board's initial members Larry Summers, the former U.S. Treasury secretary, and Adam D’Angelo, CEO of question-and-answer website Quora will remain.

Microsoft's role on OpenAI board

Microsoft is included as an observer and hence will not have voting power. Microsoft, which has invested some $13 billion in OpenAI, and other investors were blindsided by the decision by four members of the prior board to fire Altman as chief executive on Nov. 17.

Sam Altman too in a note has thanked all his advisers, partners and fellow executives, and praised OpenAI employees’ loyalty. As per Altman, OpenAI did not lose any customers because of this ordeal.

“You stood firm for each other, this company, and our mission," Altman wrote. “One of the most important things for the team that builds AGI safely is the ability to handle stressful and uncertain situations, and maintain good judgment throughout. Top marks."