OpenAI Executive Fidji Simo Steps Down From Full-Time Leadership Role

OpenAI is preparing for another leadership transition as Fidji Simo, the company’s CEO of Applications, steps down from her full-time executive position following an extended medical leave. Simo said she will remain involved with the company in a part-time advisory capacity after determining that her recovery will take longer than originally expected.

The change comes during a period of rapid growth for OpenAI as it continues to expand its enterprise business, consumer products, and AI infrastructure. Simo had been one of the company’s most senior executives since joining the leadership team in 2025.

Medical Leave Results in Permanent Role Change

In a message to employees, Simo said her ongoing medical leave had been more difficult than anticipated, leading her to step away from day-to-day responsibilities. She first announced her leave in April after revealing that she had experienced a relapse of a neuroimmune condition.

Simo joined OpenAI’s board of directors in 2024 before becoming CEO of Applications in May 2025. The newly created role brought together the company’s business and product operations under a single executive, with Simo reporting directly to CEO Sam Altman.

Following her appointment, several senior leaders, including Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap, Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar and Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil, began reporting to Simo. At the same time, Altman shifted more of his attention toward research, computing infrastructure and AI safety.

After news of her decision became public, Altman shared a message on X expressing his appreciation for Simo’s work and wishing her a speedy recovery.

"i am really sad about this and very grateful for all fidji has done for openai, and even grateful for her friendship and who she is as a person. we all wish her the best for a speedy recovery. this sucks."

Leadership Vacancy Comes at a Key Time

Before joining OpenAI, Simo served as chief executive of Instacart, leading the company through its 2023 public offering. Earlier in her career, she spent more than a decade at Meta, where she held several leadership positions, including overseeing the Facebook application.

Her departure creates a vacancy in OpenAI’s executive leadership as the company continues preparing for future expansion and a possible initial public offering. Simo had been responsible for growing OpenAI’s consumer business while helping coordinate commercial operations across the organisation.

The leadership change also follows several other executive departures and role changes over recent months. During Simo’s medical leave, Brad Lightcap moved into a special projects position, while Chief Marketing Officer Kate Rouch left the company to focus on cancer recovery. Kevin Weil has also departed OpenAI.

Transition Comes Alongside Major Product Launches

Simo’s decision coincides with another significant day for OpenAI. The company recently introduced its GPT-5.6 family of AI models, including Sol, Terra and Luna, alongside ChatGPT Work, a new enterprise assistant designed to help users create documents, spreadsheets and presentations while managing routine office tasks.

OpenAI is also continuing to invest heavily in its workforce and long-term growth strategy as competition across the artificial intelligence industry intensifies. The company has introduced changes to employee equity programs in recent years as part of its efforts to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive market.

Although Simo will no longer serve in a full-time executive role, she will continue supporting OpenAI as an adviser. Her transition marks another notable change for the company’s leadership team as it expands its AI products, enterprise services and global business operations.