Fired OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Considers Return Amid Investor Pressure
Investors of OpenAI are putting pressure on the company’s board to reverse their decision to terminate Sam Altman as the chief executive officer and remove him as a director. According to sources familiar with the matter, some investors, including Thrive Global, are engaging in discussions with Microsoft, OpenAI’s largest shareholder.
It seems that Altman is open to the idea of returning to the company. In one potential scenario, the current members of the OpenAI board would step down from their positions as early as this weekend. However, it is important to note that the situation is still fluid, and no official decisions have been made.
It has been revealed that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has been in contact with Altman and has pledged his support for him in whatever path he chooses to pursue next. Nadella himself was taken aback by the board’s decision, as per sources familiar with the matter.
Representatives from OpenAI, Microsoft, and Thrive have declined to comment on the situation.
The decision to remove Altman as CEO has sparked intense criticism aimed at the OpenAI board. The board’s choice came as a surprise not only to investors but also to Altman himself. In response, several individuals, including co-founder Greg Brockman, have resigned from the company as a form of protest. According to insiders, more resignations are expected to follow.
Should Altman decide to return, it is anticipated that he would seek to make changes to the company’s governance. On the other hand, if he chooses not to return, Altman has been considering launching a new venture, potentially in collaboration with former OpenAI staff.
In summary, investor pressure is mounting on OpenAI’s board to reverse their decision to fire Sam Altman as CEO. Altman may be open to returning to the company, but the situation is still evolving. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed his support for Altman, and the OpenAI board’s decision has drawn significant criticism, resulting in several resignations. Altman’s potential return could lead to changes in the company’s governance, or he may embark on a new venture.
