OpenAI’s chief executive of AGI deployment, Fidji Simo, is leaving her full-time role at the company and transitioning to become a part-time adviser, according to WIRED. The move comes after Simo took a months-long medical leave due to a worsening neuroimmune condition.
Medical Leave and Health Context
Simo announced her departure in a post on X, stating, “Three months ago, I had to go on medical leave after a severe exacerbation of a chronic illness I’ve lived with for seven years. During that time, it became clear that the road to recovery would be much longer and more complex than I had anticipated—and that I needed to focus on it fully.” Simo was diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in 2019. In an April memo to OpenAI staff announcing her temporary departure, she wrote, “For my entire time here, I’ve postponed medical tests and new therapies to stay completely focused on the job and not miss a single day of work. It's now clear that I’ve pushed a little too far and I really need to try new interventions to stabilize my health.”
Simo’s Background and Role at OpenAI
Simo joined OpenAI’s board of directors in March 2024. The following year, CEO Sam Altman hired her to take on the product and business organizations so he could focus on research and the company’s data center buildout. Previously, Simo was the CEO of Instacart and head of the Facebook app at Meta.
Executive Shakeup and Product Reorganization
News of Simo’s medical leave came amid a larger executive shakeup at OpenAI. According to WIRED, Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s former COO, transitioned to a role overseeing special projects. OpenAI president and cofounder Greg Brockman took over OpenAI’s product strategy. In the months since Simo stepped back, the company further reorganized its product teams, positioning Thibault Sottiaux as head of the company’s core products, including ChatGPT.
Below is a summary of key executive role changes:
| Executive | Previous Role | New Role |
|---|---|---|
| Fidji Simo | CEO of AGI Deployment | Part-time adviser (leaving full-time) |
| Brad Lightcap | COO | Overseeing special projects |
| Greg Brockman | President and cofounder | Overseeing product strategy |
| Thibault Sottiaux | — (not specified) | Head of core products (ChatGPT) |
Focus on Core Products and IPO Plans
OpenAI is trying to concentrate on a few core products ahead of a planned IPO, now expected to come in 2027, according to WIRED. The company is reportedly targeting a valuation of $1 trillion. As part of this focus strategy, OpenAI has merged teams working on ChatGPT, the company’s AI-powered browser, and its AI coding agent to build a “superapp.” The company has also shut down far-flung bets like Sora.
ChatGPT Update
Earlier on Thursday, OpenAI unveiled the biggest product update to ChatGPT since its initial release, WIRED reported. The company launched an AI agent in ChatGPT that can take action on behalf of users, moving local files and writing code, and redesigned the look of its desktop app. With the updated product, OpenAI hopes to give ChatGPT users some features previously limited to Codex, such as the ability to create bespoke software projects with AI.
The leadership change at the AGI deployment level signals OpenAI’s shift toward product consolidation as it prepares for a public offering. For enterprise technology decision-makers, the departure of a key executive focused on AGI deployment may influence the company’s strategic direction, though OpenAI’s priority remains its core products and the upcoming IPO.
