OpenAI Applications Chief Fidji Simo Steps Down From Full-Time Role Over Chronic Illness Recovery

Mohd Haider Sun, July 12, 2026 at 2:31 PM PDT | 5 min read

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Fidji Simo has stepped down from her full-time role as OpenAI's president of applications, transitioning to a part-time advisory position after her recovery from a chronic illness took longer than anticipated.

In a post on X, Simo wrote that she "shared with the OpenAI team that I have decided to leave my full-time role at OpenAI and transition to being a part-time advisor."

She added that the truth is she is "only making this decision now because I failed to make it many times before."

Simo said she took medical leave three months ago following a "severe exacerbation" of a chronic illness she has lived with for seven years. She recalled once declining a full year of medical leave offered by Meta, noting that CEO Mark Zuckerberg had told her to "play the long game."

Responding to Simo's post, Rishi N. Reddy, a colleague and co-founder, called Simo "an n of 1," writing that "sometimes the harder thing isn't to keep pushing, it's knowing when to prioritize you."

@fidjissimois truly an n of 1. Sometimes the harder thing isn't to keep pushing, it's knowing when to prioritize you. If there's anyone who will come through this stronger and continue making an extraordinary impact on the world, it's her. Grateful to call her a colleague,… — Rishi N. Reddy (@rishi_n_reddy) July 9, 2026

From Instacart to OpenAI's Applications Chief

OpenAI appointed Simo, then Instacart's CEO, to the newly created role of chief of applications in May 2025, reporting directly to CEO Sam Altman.

Simo went on medical leave in April, prompting a leadership shuffle at OpenAI:

• Greg Brockman oversaw product in Simo's absence.
• Brad Lightcap, OpenAI's chief operating officer, transitioned to a new role focused on "special projects."
• Denise Dresser, the company's chief revenue officer, assumed most of Lightcap's responsibilities.

Simo's role change follows a string of senior departures at OpenAI this year, including its head of private equity leaving for Google and a sales leader departing for Thrive Capital.

Simo also thanked OpenAI CEO Altman, President Brockman, and the board for their support. In her post, she said she remains committed to working toward disease cures through OpenAI and her involvement with Chronicle BioAI and CODA Research.

Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock

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