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TechOpenAI Applications CEO Fidji Simo steps down due to worsening chronic illness, moves to part-time advisor role
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Fidji Simo, OpenAI's CEO of Applications and a top executive, announced she is stepping down from her full-time role and transitioning to a part-time advisor position. Simo, who has been on medical leave for three months, revealed that her long-running chronic illness, which has no cure, has worsened, requiring her to focus fully on recovery. She thanked OpenAI's board, CEO Sam Altman, and President Greg Brockman for their support. Altman expressed sadness and gratitude for her contributions and friendship, wishing her a speedy recovery. Simo noted the jarring contrast of building the future of AI while navigating a disabling disease. The Wall Street Journal first reported her departure.
Source report
Fidji Simo, one of OpenAI's top executives, is stepping down from her full-time role.
Simo, the company's CEO of applications, announced on X on Thursday that she has decided to leave her full-time position and transition to a part-time advisory role.
Medical Leave and Health Challenges
Simo had been on medical leave for the past three months. In her post, she explained that her long-running chronic illness—for which there is no cure—had worsened.
"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," she wrote.
Gratitude and Reflection
Simo thanked OpenAI's board, CEO Sam Altman, and President Greg Brockman for their support. She noted that her journey with her illness had reinforced her belief in the importance of technology.
"It has been a jarring experience to spend my days helping build the future while simultaneously navigating a disabling disease that still has no cure," she wrote.
Altman's Response
Sam Altman responded 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. we all wish her the best for a speedy recovery. this sucks."
Background
The Wall Street Journal earlier reported on Simo's departure.
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OpenAI Executive Fidji Simo Steps Down Due to Chronic Illness