Fidji Simo, the No. 2 executive and head of artificial general intelligence at OpenAI, is stepping down from her full-time role. Simo, who served as Sam Altman's second in command, is leaving her position after a medical leave that began in April proved longer than expected.
Simo, who oversaw much of the AI startup's core business, will now focus on her recovery. She is expected to remain with the company as a part-time adviser, while her previous responsibilities will be handed over to three other top executives.
This major leadership change comes at a critical time for the AI giant. The company is currently eyeing a possible IPO and racing to catch Anthropic in the enterprise market, leaving a leadership vacuum as it prepares to go public.