In a surprise development Friday, OpenAI announced that AI whizkid Sam Altman will be stepping down as the CEO of the company after the board lost confidence in his ability to continue leading the company.
OpenAI is behind ChatGPT, which has put AI at the forefront of technology.
A board review found that Mr. Altman was not "consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities."
In a statement, the board of directors said: “OpenAI was deliberately structured to advance our mission: to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all humanity. The board remains fully committed to serving this mission. We are grateful for Sam’s many contributions to the founding and growth of OpenAI. At the same time, we believe new leadership is necessary as we move forward. As the leader of the company’s research, product, and safety functions, Mira is exceptionally qualified to step into the role of interim CEO. We have the utmost confidence in her ability to lead OpenAI during this transition period.”
Mira Murati, the company’s chief technology officer, will serve as interim CEO, effective immediately.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is a large investor in OpenAI. They were not immediately available for comment.