OpenAI Applications Chief Fidji Simo Steps Down From Full-Time Role Over Chronic Illness Recovery, Says ‘I Failed to Make This Decision Many Times Before’
Mohd Haider
Mon, July 13, 2026 at 3:01 AM GMT+5:30
5 min read
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Fidji Simo stepped down from her full-time role as OpenAI’s president of applications on Thursday, transitioning to a part-time advisory position after her chronic illness recovery proved longer than she had anticipated
In her X post, 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 that she is “only making this decision now because I failed to make it many times before.”
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Simo said she took medical leave three months ago after 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, saying CEO Mark Zuckerberghad 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.”
@fidjissimo is 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,… https://t.co/4h9BCx7iGd
— Rishi N. Reddy (@rishi_n_reddy) July 9, 2026
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From Instacart to OpenAI’s Applications Chief
OpenAI appointed Simo, thenInstacart’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, resulting in a shuffle in leadership at OpenAI. Greg Brockmanoversaw 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 change in role follows a string of senior departures at OpenAI this year, including its head of private equity leaving for Googleand 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
