OpenAI AGI Chief Fidji Simo Steps Down to Part-Time Advisor Amid Health Issues

Fidji Simo, OpenAI's AGI chief and No. 2 executive, is transitioning to a part-time advisory role after a medical leave for a neuroimmune condition, adding to recent leadership changes at the company.

This article was drafted with AI assistance from multiple sources and was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication.

Fidji Simo, who served as OpenAI's AGI chief and was widely regarded as the company's second-in-command, is stepping down from her full-time role and transitioning to a part-time advisor, she announced on X. The move follows a medical leave she began in April due to a neuroimmune condition. Simo had originally taken on the AGI chief title shortly before her leave, after previously serving as CEO of applications.

Simo's departure adds to a series of leadership shifts at OpenAI. Around the same time she went on leave, COO Brad Lightcap stepped down from his role to focus on special projects, and CMO Kate Rouch also resigned to prioritize her health, with plans to return in a more narrowly scoped capacity. These changes come at a critical juncture for OpenAI, as the company reportedly considers an initial public offering and works to catch up with Anthropic in the enterprise market.

The leadership vacuum poses challenges for OpenAI, which is navigating a competitive landscape while managing internal transitions. Simo's new role as a part-time advisor will allow her to remain involved with the company on a limited basis.