Retired Army General Joins OpenAI to Lead Cybersecurity Efforts

OpenAI has added a retired army general to its board of directors to oversee cybersecurity matters at the company.

General Paul M. Nakasone joins OpenAI’s Safety and Security Committee, which will make recommendations to the wider board on safety and security decisions for the company’s projects and operations.

Nakasone played a crucial role in establishing and leading the U.S. Cyber Command. The retired general previously led the National Security Agency and held command positions in elite cyber units in the U.S., the Republic of Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“OpenAI’s dedication to its mission aligns closely with my own values and experience in public service,” Nakasone said. “I look forward to contributing to OpenAI’s efforts to ensure artificial general intelligence is safe and beneficial to people around the world.”

The Microsoft-backed company said in May it identified at least five influence operations using its models to spread misinformation on the Ukraine war, conflict in the Middle East and elections in India and Europe.

Nakasone's role will contribute to ensuring the board has relevant information on potential cybersecurity threats.

Nakasone’s appointment is the latest addition to OpenAI’s new board.

Following last November’s boardroom upheaval, OpenAI’s board has grown from three members to 10.

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Microsoft holds a non-voting observer position on the board, occupied by its vice president for technology and research partnerships and operations, Dee Templeton.

Other new board members include former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and Bret Taylor, the former co-CEO of Salesforce.

Quora co-founder Adam D’Angelo is the only previous board member still serving.