OpenAI "Altman Has Not Behaved in a Way That Warrants Dismissal"

OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, stated regarding the CEO Sam Altman ousting incident that occurred last year, "Altman did not engage in behavior warranting removal from the CEO position."

On the 8th (local time), OpenAI announced based on the investigation results by the prominent U.S. law firm WilmerHale that Altman's ousting was "the result of a breakdown in the relationship and loss of trust between Altman and the previous board."

They further explained, "WilmerHale confirmed that the board's decision to fire Altman was not due to concerns about product safety, development speed, or OpenAI's financial worries regarding investors, customers, or partners."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

They added, "The investigation found that while the previous board's decision was within their authority, Altman's actions did not necessarily require dismissal."

OpenAI emphasized, "Altman and Greg Brockman remain leaders of the company."

Previously, on November 17 last year, the board had stated, "We are not confident in Altman's ability to continue leading the company. Altman has consistently been dishonest in communication, hindering the board's ability to fulfill its responsibilities," and proceeded with his dismissal.

Following this, Altman and Brockman, who was the board chairman, were also removed from the board. However, due to strong employee backlash against the board's decision, Altman was reinstated as CEO after five days.

Based on this investigation, OpenAI announced that Altman will also return to the board. Additionally, three new members were appointed to the board: Sue Desmond Hellmann, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Nicole Seligman, former president of Sony Entertainment; and Pidi Simo, CEO of the crop delivery service company Instacart. This increased the board from six to seven members.

Taylor, the board chairman, stated, "The review concluded that there was a serious deterioration of trust between the previous board and Altman and Brockman. The board acted in good faith and believed their actions at the time would mitigate some issues."

Altman said, "I am glad all of this is over," adding, "I have learned lessons from this experience and apologize for not handling the conflict more carefully at the time."