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Fidji Simo steps down from leading OpenAI’s AGI work due to illness
The Verge • • business
Key Points:
- OpenAI’s Fidji Simo is stepping down from her full-time role as AGI chief and will continue as a part-time advisor due to health reasons related to a chronic neuroimmune condition.
- Simo initially took medical leave in April shortly after assuming the AGI chief position, during which several other C-suite executives, including COO Brad Lightcap and CMO Kate Rouch, also stepped down or shifted roles for health or special projects.
- While Simo was on leave, OpenAI president Greg Brockman took over product leadership and later spearheaded a company reorganization to unify OpenAI’s product strategy around a single agentic platform merging ChatGPT and Codex.
- Simo described her health challenges as severe and ongoing, requiring full focus on recovery, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed sadness over her departure and gratitude for her contributions.
