Reed Hastings Joins Anthropic Board to Shape Responsible AI Future

SAN FRANCISCO, May 30, 2025 - Reed Hastings, the visionary co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, has been appointed to the board of directors at Anthropic, a leading AI company focused on responsible development. Selected by Anthropic's Long-Term Benefit Trust, Hastings brings a wealth of experience in scaling technology enterprises and a deep commitment to addressing AI's societal impacts, positioning him to guide Anthropic as it competes with industry giants like OpenAI and Google.

Unique Governance Model Drives Anthropic's Mission

Anthropic's Long-Term Benefit Trust, a distinctive governance structure, appointed Hastings to ensure the company remains true to its mission as a Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to advancing AI for humanity's long-term benefit. Unlike traditional corporate boards, the trust, chaired by Buddy Shah, comprises five financially disinterested members tasked with balancing stockholder interests with societal good.

This model empowers the trust to appoint and remove directors, ensuring decisions align with Anthropic's goal of responsible AI development. Hastings' appointment reflects his alignment with these values, with the trust citing his leadership expertise and dedication to AI's ethical challenges as key qualifications.

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Hastings' Tech Leadership Bolsters Anthropic's Ambitions

Hastings, who led Netflix for over 25 years, transformed the company from a DVD rental service into a global streaming leader with over 300 million subscribers as of early 2025. His board experience at tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Bloomberg equips him to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and scale innovative platforms. Anthropic, recently valued at $61.5 billion following a $4 billion funding round in March 2025, aims to leverage Hastings' expertise to transition from a high-potential startup to a dominant AI enterprise.

Daniela Amodei, Anthropic's president, emphasized that Hastings' understanding of technology's broader responsibilities aligns with the company's vision, especially as it rolls out its advanced Claude 4 models, unveiled at its inaugural developer conference on May 22, 2025.

Commitment to AI Ethics and Philanthropy

Hastings' dedication to AI ethics and philanthropy further strengthens his fit for Anthropic's board. In 2024, he donated $50 million to Bowdoin College to establish an AI and Humanity research initiative, focusing on ethical frameworks and AI's impact on work, education, and relationships. His broader philanthropic efforts include supporting education through contributions to the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), which serves 120,000 students across 275 U.S. schools, and global development initiatives like Kenya's One Acre Fund, aiding 1.6 million farmers.

In Rwanda, Hastings backed a program providing affordable smartphones, enhancing internet access for thousands. "I'm excited to join Anthropic's board to support their mission-driven approach to AI," Hastings said, underscoring his commitment to advancing humanity through technology.

Did You Know?
Anthropic was founded in 2021 by former OpenAI researchers, including Dario Amodei and Daniela Amodei, with a focus on safe and interpretable AI systems, distinguishing it from competitors through its mission-driven approach.

Strategic Board Enhances Competitive Edge

Hastings joins a dynamic five-member board, including Anthropic co-founders Dario Amodei (CEO) and Daniela Amodei (President), investor Yasmin Razavi, and Confluent CEO Jay Kreps. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment, as Anthropic's Claude 4 models gain traction among developers, with recent web data highlighting a 30% increase in API usage since their launch.

As Anthropic competes in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, Hastings' proven track record in scaling tech companies positions the firm to challenge established players while staying true to its ethical principles.