OpenAI Executive Fidji Simo Steps Down Due to Health Issues

Fidji Simo is resigning from her position as OpenAI's head of product and business due to a worsening chronic illness, specifically Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), which she was diagnosed with in 2019. Simo announced her decision on Thursday, stating that she is stepping down after experiencing a severe exacerbation of her condition. She had been on medical leave since April, during which OpenAI President Greg Brockman took over her responsibilities. Despite her departure, Simo will continue to serve OpenAI as a part-time advisor. CEO Sam Altman expressed his sadness regarding her decision and wished her a speedy recovery. Simo joined OpenAI in 2025 after leading Instacart through its IPO and has over a decade of experience at Meta. Altman hired her to help scale OpenAI's applications business as the company expanded its offerings.