OpenAI's AGI chief Fidji Simo steps down due to neuroimmune condition

OpenAI's AGI chief Fidji Simo announced she is stepping down from her full-time role and moving to a part-time advisor position due to a chronic neuroimmune condition. Originally appointed AGI chief in early 2026 after serving as CEO of applications, Simo took medical leave in April following a severe exacerbation of an illness she has managed for seven years. She wrote on X that the recovery path has proven 'much longer and more complex' than expected, and that she must focus fully on her health.

During Simo's absence, OpenAI underwent significant C-suite restructuring. President Greg Brockman assumed leadership of product strategy and scaling, overseeing four pillars: core product/platform, critical enterprise industries, consumer (health/commerce/finance), and core infrastructure/ads/data science/growth. Brockman's memo highlighted a push to unify ChatGPT and Codex into a single agentic platform. Earlier in April, COO Brad Lightcap stepped down to focus on special projects, and CMO Kate Rouch also left for health reasons with plans to return in a narrower role.

CEO Sam Altman expressed sadness over Simo's departure but gratitude for her contributions. The leadership shifts raise questions about OpenAI's AGI roadmap and its ability to retain top talent amid health-related departures and reorganizations. Simo's condition—a disabling disease with no known cure—underscores the human toll behind high-pressure AI development.