# Fidji Simo Steps Down from OpenAI Due to Health Reasons Management gap and the company's future are plunged into uncertainty. - **Source:** [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-09 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d2ce0d75-c65e-43bc-b05c-8a99b2c0a113 ## Fidji Simo's Departure OpenAI's second-in-command Fidji Simo announced her departure from her full-time role due to health issues. Simo stated that she had been on medical leave for a recurrence of a neuroimmune disease and that her recovery process has been longer and more challenging than expected. She will now serve as a part-time advisor for the company. ## Management Changes Simo's departure has triggered a series of management changes at OpenAI. COO Brad Lightcap stepped back from his role to focus on 'special projects,' while CMO Kate Rouch left the company due to health reasons. These changes have created uncertainty in the company's senior leadership. ## Simo's Role at OpenAI Simo joined OpenAI as Applications CEO in May 2025 and consolidated the company's business and product operations. Senior executives such as COO Brad Lightcap, CFO Sarah Friar, and CPO Kevin Weil began reporting to her. Under Simo's leadership, OpenAI focused on growing its consumer business. ## ChatGPT's Growth Challenges ChatGPT's growth slowed late last year, and the company missed internal revenue targets. This pushed OpenAI to focus more on coding tools. However, it continues to lag behind competitors like Anthropic in this area. ## Sam Altman's Reaction OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed sadness over Simo's departure and gratitude for her contributions to the company. Altman also mentioned her friendship and personality and wished her a speedy recovery. ## OpenAI's Future Simo's departure has raised questions about OpenAI's future. As the company prepares for a potential IPO, finding a leader to fill Simo's shoes will be a major challenge for Altman. The company's strategic focus may also be reshaped during this process. ## Sources covering this story - [TechCrunch — Fidji Simo Steps Down from OpenAI's No. 2 Role](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/09/fidji-simo-steps-down-from-openais-no-2-role/) - [The Verge — OpenAI's AGI Leader Fidji Simo Steps Down Due to Health Reasons](https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/963738/openai-fidji-simo-steps-down-ceo-advisor) - [Daring Fireball — Fidji Simo's Departure from OpenAI and Management Uncertainty](https://www.wsj.com/tech/openai-top-executive-fidji-simo-to-step-down-c3daca47?st=NfBZTe) --- _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._