Fidji Simo, OpenAI's executive focused on AGI deployment, is transitioning from her full-time role to a part-time advisor position due to a prolonged medical leave for a worsening neuroimmune condition.
Simo shared on X that a severe flare-up of a chronic illness she's managed for seven years necessitated a medical leave three months ago. During this time, she realized her recovery would be more extensive than initially expected, requiring her full attention.
Simo joined OpenAI's board in March 2024 and was later brought in by CEO Sam Altman to lead product and business operations, allowing Altman to concentrate on research and data center development. Her career includes previous top roles as CEO of Instacart and head of the Facebook app at Meta.
She had previously informed OpenAI staff in April about her temporary departure, citing a significant health relapse shortly before joining the company. Diagnosed with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in 2019, Simo admitted to postponing medical tests and therapies to remain fully dedicated to her work, but recognized the need to prioritize her health and explore new interventions.
Simo's departure follows other executive shifts at OpenAI, including COO Brad Lightcap moving to special projects and President Greg Brockman taking over product strategy. The company has since reorganized its product teams, with Thibault Sottiaux now leading core products like ChatGPT.
This restructuring comes as OpenAI gears up for a potential IPO, reportedly aiming for a $1 trillion valuation by 2027. The company is consolidating efforts, merging teams for ChatGPT, its AI browser, and AI coding agent into a single "superapp" and has discontinued less central projects like Sora. Earlier on Thursday, OpenAI also announced a major ChatGPT update, introducing an AI agent capable of taking actions like file manipulation and code writing for users, enhancing its desktop app.
