Anthropic, a rising star in the artificial intelligence sector, announced today that Netflix Chairman Reed Hastings has joined its board of directors, a move that strengthens the company’s strategic leadership as it navigates the competitive AI landscape.

Hastings, 64, who co-founded Netflix in 1997 and served as its CEO until 2023, was appointed by Anthropic’s Long Term Benefit Trust, an independent five-member body designed to ensure the company’s commitment to societal goals, according to a press release.

Anthropic said his extensive experience in scaling technology companies and his prior board roles at industry giants such as Microsoft, Bloomberg, and Meta (formerly Facebook) are expected to provide the company with critical insights as it advances its mission-driven AI development.

“Anthropic is very optimistic about the AI benefits for humanity, but is also very aware of the economic, social, and safety challenges,” Hastings said in a statement. “I’m joining Anthropic’s board because I believe in their approach to AI development, and to help humanity progress.”

Hastings recently donated $50 million to his alma mater, Bowdoin College in Maine, to create an AI research initiative. The program will focus on ethical frameworks for AI and examine its effects on education, work, and relationships.

According to the release, Anthropic noted that the program closely aligns with its own research priorities.

“His focus on the human impact of technology — whether at Netflix or through his global health and education initiatives — makes him an ideal addition to our board as we continue building AI that helps rather than harms,” Anthropic President Daniela Amodei said in a statement.

Anthropic, valued at $61.5 billion earlier this year, is striving to keep up in the AI arms race against competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, while emphasizing the importance of AI safety.