Microsoft Ends Observer's Role In OpenAI Board Of Directors

CEO Microsoft Staya Nadella and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (photo: x @Computerworlddk)

JAKARTA - Last year, OpenAI included Microsoft as an observer without voting rights on its board of directors. The current OpenAI board of directors consists of Independent Directors Bret Taylor (Chairman), Sam Altman, Adam D'Angelo, Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann, Retired US Army General Paul M. Nakasone, Nicole Seligman, Fidji Simo, and Larry Summers.

Wednesday 10 July, Microsoft notified OpenAI that it ended its observer role on the OpenAI board. Microsoft's deputy general adviser, Keith Doliver, wrote a letter to OpenAI's board of directors on Tuesday, July 9, and the decision to leave the OpenAI board was effective soon.

Here's why Microsoft ended the role of its observer on the OpenAI board:

While no longer part of the OpenAI board, OpenAI remains one of Microsoft's most valuable partners. OpenAI spokeswoman gave the following statement regarding Microsoft's decision to leave the OpenAI board:

"We thank Microsoft for the trust they put forward to the Council and the direction of the company, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership."

Last week, Bloomberg reported that Apple would get a council observer seat without voting rights at OpenAI, matching Microsoft's influence. However, The Financial Times also reported that Apple did not join the OpenAI board. In a related note, last month Apple announced that it would integrate OpenAI's ChatGPT on iOS, macOS, and iPadOS.

Microsoft's departure from the OpenAI board marks an important milestone in their relationship, highlighting the shift from oversight to partnership. While Microsoft's formal presence on the board may end, its collaboration with OpenAI is expected to continue to grow.