Recently, OpenAI announced a restructuring of its board, adding an observer position following the board’s decision to remove CEO Sam Altman, a significant investor from Microsoft, who was previously unaware of this information. This position also has a quota for Microsoft, which currently holds Dee Templeton.
The Financial Times reported that Microsoft has informed OpenAI of the withdrawal of the observer position from the board, citing over the past 8 months, OpenAI has significantly improved its management. Microsoft confidently believes in the organization’s direction and deems the observer position unnecessary, with immediate effect.
OpenAI confirmed this information, stating that it is positive that Microsoft has shown confidence in the current board management. The report also mentioned Apple, who had previously allocated a board observer position, a result of collaboration to use ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence. This would have given the position to Phil Schiller, former marketing head, however, Apple has also decided to withdraw this position. Nevertheless, Apple and OpenAI have not provided comments on this information.
OpenAI’s approach will involve holding periodic meetings to communicate updates, with Microsoft and Apple participating as key partners, along with investors such as Thrive Capital and Khosla Ventures.
According to the Financial Times, one reason Microsoft and Apple are choosing not to participate in observer boards is to reduce pressure from business scrutiny, as both the EU and the US are closely monitoring the situation.
TLDR: OpenAI restructures its board following the removal of Microsoft’s CEO as an observer, with Microsoft and Apple withdrawing from board observer positions to reduce business scrutiny.
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