Netflix Co-Founder Reed Hastings Joins Anthropic Board

In a significant move within the artificial intelligence landscape, Reed Hastings, the co-founder of Netflix, has joined the board of directors at Anthropic, a rapidly growing AI startup. This appointment was announced in late May 2025 and marks a strategic addition to Anthropic’s leadership as it competes with major players like OpenAI.

Hastings brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Netflix, as well as his roles on the boards of Microsoft, Bloomberg, and Meta. His expertise is expected to help Anthropic transition from a startup phase into a major company capable of shaping the future of AI technology.

What makes Hastings’ appointment unique is that it was made by Anthropic’s Long-Term Benefit Trust, an independent governance body designed to be financially disinterested. This trust holds the authority to appoint and remove board members with the overarching goal of ensuring that Anthropic develops AI technologies for the long-term benefit of humanity.

Joining Hastings on the board are Anthropic’s co-founders Dario and Daniela Amodei, investor Yasmin Razavi, and Jay Kreps, CEO of Confluent. Together, this team combines deep AI expertise with seasoned leadership to steer the company’s mission.

Why This Matters for AI Development

Anthropic’s approach to AI governance through the Long-Term Benefit Trust is a novel model in the tech industry. By appointing board members who are financially disinterested, the company prioritizes ethical AI development over short-term profits. Hastings’ involvement signals a commitment to responsible growth, leveraging his experience in scaling tech giants while maintaining a focus on long-term impact.

For the broader AI ecosystem, this move highlights the increasing importance of experienced leadership in guiding startups through complex ethical and technological challenges. Hastings’ cross-industry insights could help Anthropic navigate competitive pressures and regulatory landscapes while advancing AI capabilities.

Looking Ahead

As Anthropic continues to develop AI models that compete with OpenAI, the addition of Reed Hastings to its board could accelerate its growth trajectory and enhance its governance framework. This strategic leadership infusion may well position Anthropic as a key player in shaping the future of AI technology that aligns with human values and long-term societal benefit.