Former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is accused of fostering a toxic culture, but current board members defend him

From Decrypt Media: 2024-05-31 21:54:06

Former OpenAI board members Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley accused CEO Sam Altman of prioritizing profits over safety, hiding developments, and fostering a toxic environment. Current board members Bret Taylor and Larry Summers defended Altman, calling the accusations baseless and an attempt to reopen a closed case in op-eds published in The Economist.

Toner and McCauley claimed the board couldn’t control Altman, leading to his dismissal last November. Taylor and Summers, however, defended Altman, stating that the WilmerHale-led review found no reason to replace him.

The former board members expressed concerns that OpenAI couldn’t police itself effectively, stating self-governance could not withstand profit incentives. They also noted Altman’s behavior undermined safety oversight.

Toner and McCauley accused Altman of creating a toxic work culture with psychological abuse. Taylor and Summers discredited these claims, stating Altman has a good relationship with his team.

Toner raised issues about Altman’s lack of transparency, including not informing the board of new developments like ChatGPT in advance and Altman’s ownership of the OpenAI Startup Fund. Altman’s ownership of the fund was terminated in April.

Former OpenAI researchers and board members have raised concerns regarding Altman’s management and company practices, leading to accusations of a lack of transparency and ethical governance. The debate continues between former and current board members over Altman’s leadership and OpenAI’s future direction.



Read more at Decrypt Media: OpenAI Board Defends CEO Sam Altman Amid ‘Toxic Culture’ Claims