Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s head of product and business, declared multiple leadership adjustments on Friday and disclosed that she is taking a considerable medical leave due to a deteriorating neuroimmune disorder.
OpenAI employed Simo in May, and her ailment, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, flared up a few weeks prior to her assuming the position. She informed colleagues in a memo on Friday that the recent month has been “especially tough health-wise,” and she has decided that she needs to take several weeks off for recovery.
“Throughout my entire time here, I’ve delayed medical assessments and new treatments to stay completely focused on my duties and avoid missing any work,” Simo stated in the memo, which was seen by CNBC. “I took medical leave for the first time two weeks before this break for some health evaluations, and it has become evident that I’ve overexerted myself and truly need to explore new therapies to stabilize my wellbeing.”
In a CNBC interview in March, Simo mentioned her POTS diagnosis occurring in 2019, and her consultations with over 40 specialists as she sought to comprehend her condition. Individuals with POTS struggle to maintain stable blood pressure, which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and chest discomfort, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The diagnosis of this condition can often be complex for healthcare professionals.
Simo joined OpenAI following her tenure as CEO of Instacart, and she previously dedicated over a decade to various leadership positions at Meta.
Greg Brockman, President of OpenAI, will manage product in Simo’s stead, she noted. Simo also revealed that Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s chief operating officer, will shift to a new position concentrating on “special projects.” He will report directly to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Denise Dresser, the company’s chief revenue officer, will assume most of Lightcap’s duties and will report directly to Simo. Dresser will not oversee Lightcap’s government or OpenAI for Countries initiatives, which are now being integrated into the company’s strategy organization.
Moreover, Simo announced that Kate Rouch, OpenAI’s marketing leader, has chosen to resign to concentrate on her recovery from cancer. Rouch was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer roughly a year and a half ago, shortly after she entered her position at OpenAI.
“I adore this position. I cherish this team. This is precisely why I didn’t step back and managed both — lead at OpenAI while undergoing intensive cancer treatment,” Rouch wrote in a LinkedIn post. “It’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever accomplished. At a certain point, you have to confront your limits honestly. I’ve reached mine.”
Simo mentioned that Rouch will transition back to a role with a narrower focus when her health permits, and OpenAI will initiate a search for her successor.
“We possess a robust leadership team dedicated to our key objectives: advancing frontier research, expanding our global user community of nearly 1 billion users, and driving enterprise applications,” an OpenAI representative stated. “We’re well-equipped to maintain execution with continuity and energy.”
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