Some investors demand Altman’s reinstatement, putting pressure on OpenAI board of directors

Investors in U.S. company OpenAI, which developed the conversational artificial intelligence (AI) ChatGPT, have removed Sam Altman from his position as CEO and director. The company is pressuring the company’s board of directors, which also removed the decision, to rescind its decision. This was revealed by multiple people familiar with the matter.

　　Some investors, including Thrive Global, which is OpenAI’s largest shareholder, have weighed in on Altman’s return as CEO.We are in talks with Microsoft. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because these developments have not been made public. According to one person involved,Tiger Global Management also agrees.

Altman is open to returning, one person said. Under one scenario currently being considered, OpenAI’s current board members would resign as early as this weekend, according to people with knowledge of the matter. However, the situation remains fluid and no decisions have been made, officials said.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been in contact with Altman and has promised to support him in whatever steps he takes next. Mr. Nadella was also taken by surprise by the board’s decision, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Representatives for OpenAI and Microsoft declined to comment. Thrive and Tiger Global also declined to comment.

OpenAI’s board of directors has come under heavy criticism for its decision to fire Altman. The firing came as a surprise to investors and Mr. Altman.