An independent investigation by law firm WilmerHale found that while the prior board had the discretion to terminate Altman, his conduct did not necessitate removal. The decision to fire Altman was not due to concerns about product safety, security, development pace, finances, or statements to investors, customers, or business partners, but rather a breakdown in the relationship and loss of trust between the prior board and Altman.
Key takeaways:
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman will return to the company's board, and three new directors will be appointed: Sue Desmond-Hellmann, Nicole Seligman, and Fidji Simo.
- The company has concluded its investigation into Altman's brief firing in November, which had caused significant shock and chaos within the company and among its investors.
- OpenAI has adopted several governance enhancements, including a whistleblower hotline and a new mission and strategy committee on the board.
- An independent investigation by law firm WilmerHale found that Altman's termination was within the board's discretion, but his conduct did not mandate removal. The decision was due to a breakdown in the relationship and loss of trust between the board and Altman, not product safety, development pace, finances, or statements to investors.