Fidji Simo joins OpenAI as new CEO of Applications

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:45 pm

Fidji Simo to Lead OpenAI's Applications as CEO: A New Chapter for ChatGPT Maker

OpenAI, the company behind the revolutionary AI chatbot ChatGPT, is welcoming a new leader to its ranks. On Wednesday, the company announced that Fidji Simo, currently the CEO of Instacart, will become the "CEO of Applications" later this year. This newly created role will see Simo overseeing business and operational teams, reporting directly to OpenAI's primary CEO, Sam Altman.

This move signifies a significant step for OpenAI as it enters its "next phase of growth." The "Applications" category at OpenAI encompasses products like ChatGPT, the AI assistant that has captured the world's attention. Simo's responsibilities will include managing the teams responsible for bringing OpenAI's research and innovations to the world.

Simo brings a wealth of experience to the table. Before her role at Instacart, she spent a decade at Meta, including a period as the head of Facebook from 2019 to 2021. She also currently serves on the board of Shopify, further demonstrating her expertise in the tech and e-commerce sectors.

The announcement came sooner than expected, prompted by a leak that accelerated the timeline. Simo will transition into her new position at OpenAI gradually, remaining at Instacart for a few months while the company finds her successor. This appointment highlights OpenAI's commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. This strategic move positions OpenAI to further develop and refine its existing products, like ChatGPT, and potentially launch new applications that leverage its cutting-edge AI technology.

Keywords: OpenAI, Fidji Simo, CEO of Applications, ChatGPT, Sam Altman, Instacart, Meta, Facebook, Shopify, AI, Artificial Intelligence, AI assistant, business, operational teams, next phase of growth.

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