In a recent blog post, OpenAI announced the composition of its new board of directors, which includes former Salesforce CEO Bret Taylor, economist Larry Summers, and Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo. The inclusion of three white men in positions of power within OpenAI sparked criticism and raised questions about the company’s commitment to diversity.
It is worth noting that OpenAI’s original nonprofit board had two female members, Helen Toner and Tasha McCauley, who were removed when CEO Sam Altman returned to the company. This decision received backlash, as it seemed to contradict OpenAI’s goal of fostering diversity.
Toner, upon her resignation, expressed her concerns about the lack of representation on the board. She stated, “Much has been written about the last week or two; much more will surely be said. For now, the incoming board has announced it will supervise a full independent review to determine the best next steps.” This sentiment was echoed by AI researcher Sasha Luccioni, who pointed out the absence of women on the board and the inclusion of a big tech company, quipping, “How is that even possible? Will Clippy have a seat at the table?”
This issue of board diversity is not new. Prior to Altman’s removal, Wired had already highlighted the gender imbalance on OpenAI’s board and discussed the challenges faced by women in the AI industry. Elissa Fink, a former software company executive, emphasized the importance of a diverse board, stating, “We are in a time where AI is already actively shaping our future, so having a diverse board isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have.”
Audrey MacLean, acting chair on the board of enterprise AI solution Aible, emphasized the need for diverse approaches in AI governance. She believed that both AI company boards and their technological approaches should be diverse, stating, “It is important for any board to be representative of society, so to include women, gender, and racial diversity.”
Kay Firth-Butterfield, CEO of Good Tech Advisory, emphasized the importance of diversity in an AI company’s board. She stated, “It is important for any board to be representative of society so to include women, gender, and racial diversity. This is a particular necessity for a company creating technology that is shaping the future of humanity.”
It is crucial for OpenAI to address the lack of diversity in its board. Firth-Butterfield suggested that the company should be transparent in its selection process and actively seek diverse candidates. She also highlighted the importance of including voices from outside the U.S. and those not educated in the U.S. to ensure a broader perspective.
While the current makeup of OpenAI’s board has raised questions, it should serve as a catalyst for change. The company needs to take immediate action to rectify the lack of diversity and ensure that its board represents the diverse nature of the AI industry and society as a whole.
