Fidji Simo Steps Down from OpenAI’s Number Two Position
Fidji Simo is transitioning to a part-time advisory role at OpenAI after a chronic illness, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), worsened during her three-month medical leave.
News Brief
July 10, 2026 – 8:35 am
Image by: Anthony Quintano
In a message on Thursday, Simo announced her departure from OpenAI’s senior leadership, sharing that her recovery would be longer and more complex than anticipated. She will step down as the company’s chief of applications.
Simo joined OpenAI over a year ago as CEO of Applications, overseeing products and business strategy, effectively serving as the company’s number two. Since April, she has been on leave, which has now evolved into an exit.
The reason for her departure is health-related. Simo disclosed that she experienced a severe flare-up of her chronic condition, making an operating role impractical at this time.
Her responsibilities will be divided among Greg Brockman, OpenAI’s co-founder and president; Sarah Friar, CFO; and Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer.
Simo’s arrival at OpenAI was a significant statement, highlighting her experience as a former Facebook executive and Instacart CEO. She led the company’s efforts to transition from a research organization to a business that could develop and sell products at scale. Her exit coincides with a year of notable turnover at the top of OpenAI, including several high-profile departures.
The timing also aligns with OpenAI’s recent rapid product releases, such as the GPT-5.6 models and the new ChatGPT Work agent, many of which have been spearheaded by Brockman.