In a sensational turn of events reminiscent of dramas like "Game of Thrones" or "Succession," Sam Altman has dramatically reclaimed the position of CEO at OpenAI, making a triumphant return in less than week after his dismissal. However, not everyone is ecstatic. Rather, Altman’s return has raised some concerns among corporate governance experts and analysts, who suggest it could strengthen his control over the pioneering AI company and potentially reduce checks on his power.
At OpenAI, a new board that includes well-known individuals with extensive experience at the highest levels and strong ties to the U.S. government and Wall Street is in place in conjunction with Altman's return. However, there are concerns about Altman's perceived power and the effectiveness of the board in overseeing him.
Mak Yuen Teen, director of the Center for Investor Protection at the National University of Singapore Business School, highlights potential governance issues, stating that Altman seems awfully powerful and that there's uncertainty about whether any board could effectively oversee him. The concern is that the board could become a mere rubber stamp.
Further, OpenAI's new board is set to include Bret Taylor, former co-CEO of Salesforce, as chairman, along with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and other experienced figures. The board initially fired Altman last week but reversed the decision after pressure from Microsoft and strong employee loyalty to Altman.
The concerns about governance stem from Altman's reinstatement, which some analysts believe may give him too much power. GlobalData analyst Beatriz Valle notes that Altman has been invigorated but suggests there could be a cost, emphasizing the concentration of power.
The management fiasco at OpenAI has prompted predictions that executives will proceed cautiously under increased scrutiny. While Altman may emerge stronger, analysts suggest that the situation has dirtied his reputation, subjecting him to a closer examination from the AI, tech, and business communities.
The revamped board includes Larry Summers, known for his vocal stance on AI's potential impact on job losses and disruption. Summers has previously commented on the transformative nature of technologies like ChatGPT, stating that they could replace certain roles, such as those of doctors.
The outcome of this board restructuring is being closely watched, with questions about the effectiveness of governance at OpenAI and the extent of Altman's influence. As AI technologies advance and companies navigate ethical and governance challenges, the scrutiny of powerful figures like Altman intensifies.
OpenAI's next steps and the dynamics between Altman and the board will shape perceptions of the company's commitment to strong governance amid its pivotal role in the AI industry.
