# OpenAI Loses Top Data Center Executive Chris Malone, who led the company's data center strategy, has resigned. - **Source:** [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com) - **Published:** 2026-08-26 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8ca2167b-4b3b-46d2-98f0-e497f720f1ce ## Another Resignation at OpenAI OpenAI announced the resignation of Chris Malone, who led the company's data center strategy. Malone had been with the company for about a year and a half. Previously holding key roles at Meta and Google, Malone was a pivotal figure in OpenAI's data center projects. His departure adds to the company's growing list of senior executive losses. ## The Stargate Project and Malone's Role Malone joined OpenAI shortly after the launch of the Stargate Project, which aimed to develop data centers in the U.S. with a $500 million investment. Malone played a crucial role in bringing the project to life. However, he left his position amid the company's reorganization process. ## Reorganization and Reporting Changes OpenAI announced a restructuring of its infrastructure organization. During this process, Malone began reporting to Vice President Sachin Katti instead of directly to President Greg Brockman. The company emphasized that its data center team remains strong and experienced. Nonetheless, this change led to Malone's resignation. ## Senior Departures on the Rise Malone's resignation adds to the growing list of senior executive departures at OpenAI. This year, 13 top executives have left the company, including CFO Brad Lightcap and CRO Denise Dresser. These departures are drawing attention as the company prepares for its IPO. ## IPO Plans and Concerns OpenAI's IPO plans have been pushed to 2027. The loss of senior executives has raised concerns among investors. Critics argue that OpenAI may be overvalued and that its profitability does not align with its massive investments. The resignations have further fueled these concerns. ## Losses in Ethics and Safety Teams OpenAI's ethics and safety teams have also suffered significant losses. In July, Ethics Head Chloé Bakalar resigned. Last week, the company disbanded its preparedness team, which assessed whether AI models could pose catastrophic risks. These losses raise questions about the company's safety-focused approach. ## Project Shutdowns and Resignations The shutdown of certain projects at OpenAI has also led to resignations. Bill Peebles, head of the now-defunct AI image generator Sora, left the company after the project was closed. CMO Kate Rouch also resigned for health reasons. Project shutdowns and resignations are putting pressure on the company's internal dynamics. ## OpenAI's Future The loss of senior executives at OpenAI is raising questions about the company's future. Resignations during the pre-IPO period are shaking investor confidence. To maintain its leadership in AI, OpenAI needs to strengthen its internal structure. The steps it takes during this process will determine its future. ## Sources covering this story - https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/25/openai-loses-a-top-data-center-exec-as-stream-of-high-profile-departures-continues/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._