Seattle, WA – November 30, 2023 – Microsoft Corp. has secured a non-voting board seat at OpenAI, the San Francisco-based non-profit research lab focused on developing safe artificial general intelligence (AGI), as part of a broader restructuring of OpenAI’s governance.
The move sees Microsoft continue its close partnership with OpenAI, which began with a $1 billion investment in 2016 to support the lab’s AGI research.
As well as the new Microsoft board observer role, the reshuffle includes Sam Altman returning as OpenAI CEO, and appointments to the board such as former Salesforce co-CEO Bret Taylor, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo.
“We are excited to have Microsoft join OpenAI’s board as a non-voting observer,” said Altman. “Microsoft is a leading technology company with a deep commitment to AI research, and we believe their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to develop safe and beneficial AGI.”
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s president, commented: “Microsoft is committed to the responsible development of AI, and we believe OpenAI is playing a critical role in advancing the field. We look forward to continuing our partnership with OpenAI and helping ensure AI benefits all humanity.”
The new-look board will oversee OpenAI’s research agenda to align it with the non-profit’s mission of developing safe and beneficial AGI. It will also appoint the company’s CEO.
“We are confident the board will provide OpenAI with the leadership and guidance it needs to continue groundbreaking progress in AI research,” Altman added.
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