OpenAI's No.2 Executive Fidji Simo Steps Down for Health

Fidji Simo, the second-ranking executive at OpenAI, announced on Thursday, July 9, that she will step down from her full-time role to focus on her health, transitioning to a part-time advisory position. Her decision follows a three-month medical leave that began in April due to a severe relapse of a chronic neuroimmune condition.

Simo disclosed her condition, diagnosed as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), in a post on the social media platform X. She explained that the road to recovery has proven longer and more complex than initially anticipated, requiring her full attention. Simo first joined OpenAI's board of directors in March 2024 and was hired in 2025 as the CEO of Applications, a role created to consolidate the company's business and product operations under her leadership.

Her departure from day-to-day leadership marks a significant shift for the artificial intelligence firm. Simo was tasked with steering OpenAI's pivot from a research-focused organization into a product and commercial powerhouse, overseeing consumer products like ChatGPT. Her medical leave in April coincided with other executive changes, including Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap...