Fidji Simo Steps Down From OpenAI No. 2 Role to Focus on Health, Becomes Part-Time Advisor — Leaves CEO of Applications Vacancy With Lightcap, Friar, Weil Reports Unassigned

OpenAI CEO of Applications Fidji Simo, the company's No. 2 executive since May 2025, is stepping down from her full-time role and transitioning to part-time advisor after her medical leave (a POTS relapse that began in April) stretched longer than expected. Her exit leaves COO Brad Lightcap, CFO Sarah Friar and CPO Kevin Weil without a defined boss just as OpenAI heads toward an IPO, with no successor named — TechCrunch flags CRO Denise Dresser as a potential expanded-remit candidate. Altman called himself 'really sad about this and very grateful for all Fidji has done.'