OpenAI said on Thursday that Fidji Simo, the company’s chief of applications, will step away from her full-time responsibilities and shift into a part-time advisory role following an extended medical leave.
In a post on X, Simo explained that three months ago she began a medical leave after experiencing a severe exacerbation of a chronic illness she has managed for seven years. She wrote: "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."
The announcement confirms that Simo will remain connected to OpenAI in a reduced capacity as an advisor rather than continue in a full-time operating role.
Simo was among three directors who joined OpenAI’s board in March 2024 following Sam Altman’s return to the chief executive role. Her board appointment was part of a leadership reshuffle that occurred at that time.
Sam Altman responded to Simo’s decision in a post on X, saying: "I am really sad about this and very grateful for all Fidji has done for OpenAI, and even grateful for her friendship and who she is as a person." Altman’s message expressed personal appreciation and noted Simo’s contributions to the company.
The company has not provided additional operational details about timing for the transition or how Simo’s responsibilities will be reallocated while she moves into an advisory capacity. The public comments focus on Simo’s health-driven need to prioritize recovery and on Altman’s expression of gratitude.
Summary
Fidji Simo will leave her full-time post as OpenAI’s chief of applications and transition to a part-time advisory role after an extended medical leave following a severe exacerbation of a long-standing chronic illness. She was one of three directors added to OpenAI’s board in March 2024 after Sam Altman resumed the CEO role. Altman publicly acknowledged his sadness and appreciation for Simo’s work and friendship.
Key points
- Fidji Simo is stepping down from her full-time role and will become a part-time advisor at OpenAI.
- Her decision follows a medical leave that began three months ago after a severe exacerbation of a chronic illness she has had for seven years.
- Simo was one of three directors added to OpenAI’s board in March 2024 when Sam Altman returned as CEO; Altman publicly thanked her for her contributions.
Risks and uncertainties
- The duration and complexity of Simo’s recovery remain uncertain, as she reported that the road to recovery is longer and more complex than anticipated - this affects expectations about her availability and involvement.
- No operational details have been disclosed about how her responsibilities will be covered during her advisory period, creating short-term uncertainty about leadership coverage in the applications organization.