Investors are urging OpenAI to reinstate Sam Altman as CEO after his sudden removal by the board. Microsoft, with a stake of over $10 billion, is leading the push, alongside other investors such as Thrive Capital and Tiger Global Management. Efforts to bring Altman back also include advocating for the replacement of the current board, which may step down in response. Bret Taylor, former co-CEO of Salesforce Inc., is a possible new director. Altman, who has been open to returning to OpenAI, will seek changes in the company’s governance if he does so. Departures of employees from OpenAI in protest of Altman’s removal may continue. If Altman does not return, he is considering starting a new venture, possibly with former OpenAI staffers. Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has pledged to support Altman in his next steps. However, representatives of OpenAI and Microsoft have declined to comment on the situation. More details of the efforts to reinstate Altman have been reported by Forbes and The Verge. In a memo, OpenAI’s Chief Operating Officer, Brad Lightcap, stated that Altman’s ousting was not related to company wrongdoing and was a surprise to all involved. Lightcap emphasized that Microsoft remains fully committed as an investor.
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