OpenAI reshuffle: AGI chief takes medical leave, executives shift roles
04 Apr 2026

OpenAI's AGI boss, Fidji Simo, has announced a medical leave due to a neuroimmune condition.

The leave will last for "the next several weeks," according to an internal memo, viewed by The Verge.

During her absence, OpenAI President Greg Brockman will oversee product development and lead the company's super app initiatives.

Business team to take over in Simo's absence
Interim leadership

In Simo's absence, the business side of OpenAI will be taken over by Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon, Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar, and Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser, as per the report.

This interim leadership arrangement is meant to ensure continuity in operations while Simo focuses on her health recovery.

CMO Rouch also steps down
Fact

Along with Simo, OpenAI's Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Rouch has also decided to step down. She is stepping down to focus on her health. Gary Briggs will fill in as interim CMO while a replacement is sought.

COO transitions to new role
Role transition

OpenAI's Chief Operating Officer (COO) Brad Lightcap has also decided to step down from his position.

He will transition into a new role focused on special projects and report directly to CEO Sam Altman.

Dresser will take over most of Lightcap's responsibilities during this transition period, ensuring a smooth handover of duties within the company.

OpenAI spokesperson on leadership changes
Stability assurance

Responding to the recent leadership changes, an OpenAI spokesperson said, "We have a strong leadership team focused on our biggest priorities: advancing frontier research, growing our global user base of nearly one billion users, and powering enterprise use cases."

The spokesperson added that despite these changes, the company is well-positioned to maintain continuity and momentum in its operations.