OpenAI Executive Fidji Simo Steps Down

Fidji Simo, who held the position of OpenAI's No. 2 executive, is stepping down from her full-time role, according to reporting by The Wall Street Journal. Simo informed staff on Thursday that her ongoing medical leave has proven longer and more challenging than expected, prompting the transition to a part-time advisory capacity.

Simo joined OpenAI's board of directors in 2024 and was appointed CEO of Applications in May 2025, a newly created role designed to consolidate the company's business and product operations. In this capacity, she oversaw key executives including COO Brad Lightcap, CFO Sarah Friar, and CPO Kevin Weil, allowing CEO Sam Altman to focus on AI research, compute infrastructure, and safety.

Simo first disclosed her health issues in April, stating she was taking medical leave due to a relapse of a neuroimmune condition. At that time, it was also announced that Lightcap was moving to a new role focused on "special projects," and that CMO Kate Rouch was departing to focus on cancer recovery. Weil has since also left the company.

Prior to joining OpenAI, Simo served as CEO of Instacart from 2021, where she led the company's operations.