Who Is Sam Altman?

By Jeremy Bowman – Updated Feb 25, 2025 at 11:20 PM EST

Key Points

Generative AI boosted S&P 500 by 24% and Nasdaq by 43% through apps like ChatGPT.
Sam Altman of OpenAI, pivotal in AI surge, briefly ousted but reinstated as CEO.
OpenAI, valued at $100 billion, might consider IPO amid growing investor interest.

If you've been following the stock market over the last year, you probably know that generative artificial intelligence (AI) has taken center stage. Excitement surrounding the new technology behind apps like ChatGPT is a major reason the S&P 500 jumped 24% and the Nasdaq Composite soared 43% in a new tech boom.

Arguably, no other person is more central to the generative AI narrative than Sam Altman.

Loading paragraph...

Artificial intelligence robots working in an office. — Image source: Getty Images.

Loading image...

Loading paragraph...

Generative AI

Generative AI is a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI) where computer systems create new content.

Altman, who has run OpenAI since 2019, has driven its push to commercialize its products, unleashing a new AI revolution.

Loading paragraph...

In November 2023, he was briefly ousted as CEO of OpenAI but was reinstated after an uproar from employees and investors and after co-founder Ilya Sutskever said he'd made a mistake in voting to remove Altman.

Loading paragraph...

Related investing topics

Loading paragraph...

5 Best Artificial Intelligence (AI) ETFs to Buy in 2026

An in-depth look at the top artificial intelligence (AI) ETFs in the U.S. stock market this year.

How Much Are AI Companies Spending on Data Centers?

Companies worldwide spent $430 billion on data centers in 2024. Read on for more statistics.

Best AI Stocks to Buy in 2026 and How to Invest in Them

Learn how you can make money from the wave of seasoned companies innovating in AI and new AI tech companies.

5 Best AI Chatbots in 2026 and How to Invest

Explore the best AI chatbots to invest in now. Learn which innovative chatbot companies offer strong investment opportunities.

Loading hub_pages...

The shake-up last November allowed Altman to seize more control over the company because OpenAI replaced board members who were philosophically at odds with him and had called for his departure. The company's hybrid corporate structure also poses a challenge to going public, although it could change that model as it has in the past.

One thing is clear: It's still early in the AI race, and OpenAI will likely remain a leader, meaning investor interest in an IPO is not going away. Although that doesn't mean an IPO will happen, expect the issue to continue to garner attention in the media and from investors.

Loading paragraph...

About the Author

Jeremy Bowman has been a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst, covering technology, consumer goods, and macroeconomic trends since 2011. Before The Motley Fool, Jeremy was a newspaper reporter, restaurant manager, and English teacher abroad. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Colorado College and a master’s degree in business administration from American University. One of his Motley Fool headlines was briefly featured on Late Night with Stephen Colbert.

TMFHobo

@TMFBowman

Jeremy Bowman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.