Sam Altman is the face of the AI boom as CEO and co-founder of OpenAI. The nonprofit research lab he transformed into a household brand is now valued over $157 billion, leading one of the most significant technological shifts since the industrial revolution. ChatGPT has attracted 100 million weekly users, while enterprise products are used by most Fortune 500 companies. Business leaders and officials seek Altman’s views on AI’s impacts and the massive investments it demands.
Altman’s brief ousting and reinstatement as CEO in late 2023 highlighted his indispensability to OpenAI and tensions surrounding AI governance. Despite criticism, Altman remains a polarizing figure, with some accusing him of prioritizing product launches over safety concerns or legal issues like copyright. Others worry about his multibillion-dollar tech investments, which could lead to OpenAI’s collapse.
However, Altman’s influence is undeniable. As a driving force behind the AI revolution, he continues to shape its future and address its challenges.
Source: https://fortune.com/ranking/most-powerful-people/2024/sam-altman