In a swift move, OpenAI has appointed Emmett Shear, the former CEO of Twitch, to lead the company as its CEO. This transition follows the recent departure of Sam Altman, who resigned from his position as CEO last Friday (Nov. 17).
The decision to bring in Mr. Shear marks a pivotal moment for OpenAI, a prominent developer responsible for the creation of the ChatGPT chatbot and renowned as one of the most valuable startups. Altman’s removal from his leadership role was instigated by OpenAI’s executive board, which then designated Mira Murati, the Chief Technology Officer, as the interim CEO.
Reports by The Information and Bloomberg initially surfaced about Shear’s potential appointment as CEO of OpenAI. Subsequently, CNBC confirmed this development, citing sources from within the organization. However, an OpenAI spokesperson declined to officially comment on the report.
Altman, in response to the change in leadership, conveyed his sentiments on social media, expressing his fondness for the OpenAI team. Murati, among several other OpenAI employees, responded to Altman’s message with emotive support.
Shear’s notable background includes his tenure as CEO of Twitch, a live streaming platform affiliated with Amazon Inc. He stepped down from this position in March of this year. Additionally, he previously served as a partner at Y Combinator, a startup incubator co-headed by Altman.
The appointment of Shear to helm OpenAI ushers in a new phase for the organization, with his diverse experience and leadership background poised to shape the future trajectory of the company. This transition further underscores OpenAI’s commitment to navigating its growth and technological advancements under fresh leadership.