Microsoft, investors urged OpenAI board to reinstate Sam Altman as CEO

OpenAI’s biggest investors are pressing the company to reinstate Sam Altman as chief executive officer after the board’s stunning decision to fire him on Friday, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Microsoft Corp., the startup’s biggest backer with a more than $10 billion stake, is working with investors including Thrive Capital and Tiger Global Management to bring back Altman, said the people, who asked to remain anonymous discussing private information.

As part of the effort to reinstate the CEO, investors are also pressing for the replacement of the current board, the people said.