As I mentioned in a recent articleOpenai has just recruited Fiji Simo, the old boss of Instacart. She officially joins the company as the first “CEO of applications”.
I tell you directly, Sam Altman will not give up his headquarters of CEO. He just delegates the biggest work to another. That of propeling chatgpt.
More specifically, Simo will be the Chief Executive Officer applications. Her journey is impressive and since she is not unrelated to Openai, she should be able to manage.
so excited that @fidjissimo Is Joining OpenAi in A New Role: CEO of Applications, Reporting to Me.
I’ll Remain CEO of Openai, but in this new configuration i’ll be able to include my focus on research, compute, and safety.
These are critical as we approve superintelligence.
– Sam Altman (@sama) May 8, 2025
What’s going on behind this appointment?
The question arises because this appointment comes in a delicate context for Openai. She occurs just a few days after The firm has abandoned Its ambition to become an entirely profitable entity.
In case you want to know why, the startup had to give up because of the trial brought by Elon Muskone of its former co -founders.
To come back to our subject, this timing cannot be trivial. At least, many are convinced.
Especially since he recalls the internal turmoil from November 2023. The time Sam Altman was briefly ejected from his post before returning just a few days later.
Of course, these are only theories.
What will be the mission of the new OPENAI CEO?
Well, the official press release is quite elusive on the precise contours of the position entrusted to Simo. But some sources – notably Bloomberg – affirm that this is a major structural reshuffle within the management team.
Simo will work directly with Altman. And she becomes the direct superior Of several senior Openai officials including Brad Lightcap (COO), Sarah Friar (CFO) and Kevin Weil (CPO).
Altman will refocus on “research, calculation and security”, more fundamental technical fields in the evolution of Openai. He explained it on X.
And as with each news, the redistribution of responsibilities at Openai was entitled to criticism. The Tech Journalist Ed Zitronfor example, did not fail to emphasize the ambiguity of the situation on Bluesky.
“” If Fiji Simo takes control of finances, operations and products, when it remains concretely in Altman as CEO? »»
And you, what do you think of this appointment? Share your opinions, your doubts or your theories in comment.
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