OpenAI, the non-profit research company that develops safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence (AGI), has appointed Twitch co-founder Emmett Shear as its new CEO. Shear takes over from Sam Altman, who stepped down last week after the board said it no longer had confidence in his ability to lead the company.
Shear is a well-respected figure in the tech industry, and he is known for his experience in building and leading large-scale online communities. He co-founded Twitch in 2011, and he helped to grow the platform into the world’s leading live streaming service. He is also a co-founder of the popular video game developer Double Fine Productions.
In a statement announcing his appointment, Shear said that he is “excited to lead OpenAI into a new era.” He said that the company has “the potential to make a profound positive impact on the world,” and he is committed to making sure that OpenAI’s technology is used for good.
Shear said that he plans to focus on three key areas during his tenure as CEO:
- Safety: Shear said that OpenAI’s top priority is to ensure that its technology is safe and beneficial. He said that the company will continue to invest in research and development to make sure that its AI systems are aligned with human values.
- Openness: Shear said that OpenAI is committed to transparency and openness. He said that the company will continue to share its research and code with the public, and it will work to build a strong community of researchers and developers.
- Collaboration: Shear said that OpenAI is committed to collaborating with others to advance the field of AI. He said that the company will work with other research institutions, companies, and governments to ensure that AI is developed safely and responsibly.
Shear’s appointment has been welcomed by many in the tech industry. Marc Andreessen, a co-founder of Netscape and Andreessen Horowitz, said that Shear is “the ideal person to lead OpenAI into the future.”
“Emmett is a brilliant technologist, a visionary leader, and a deeply thoughtful person,” Andreessen said. “He is also a passionate advocate for the responsible development of AI. I am confident that he will lead OpenAI to new heights.”
Despite the optimism surrounding Shear’s appointment, OpenAI faces a number of challenges. The company is still in its early stages of development, and it is not clear how it will make money in the long run. OpenAI also faces competition from other AI companies, such as Google AI and DeepMind.
However, Shear is confident that OpenAI can overcome these challenges. He said that the company has a “world-class team of researchers and engineers,” and he is committed to building a “culture of innovation and collaboration.”
“I am excited to lead OpenAI into a new era,” Shear said. “I believe that we have the potential to make a profound positive impact on the world. I am committed to making sure that OpenAI’s technology is used for good.”
Only time will tell whether Shear will be able to lead OpenAI to success. But his appointment is a sign that the company is serious about its mission, and it is committed to developing safe and beneficial AI.
