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Fidji Simo joins OpenAI to Lead Applications Division

Former Instacart CEO Fidji Simo joins OpenAI in a bold leadership move aimed at scaling the company’s most user-facing innovations. Starting August 18, 2025, Simo will serve as CEO of Applications, a newly created role within the organization. Reporting directly to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Simo’s appointment has sparked significant interest, as she is set to lead one-third of OpenAI’s operations—specifically focusing on how artificial intelligence applications reach the public and create impact.

Fidji Simo joins OpenAI with a mission to scale products

This leadership shake-up was first hinted at in May, when Altman outlined a structural reorganization of OpenAI around three key areas: research, compute, and applications. While Altman focuses on the company’s technical roadmap and safety protocols, Simo will guide the product and business functions. Her mission includes accelerating AI adoption in sectors like healthcare, personalized education, and productivity, bringing AI solutions to billions of users through scalable and ethical strategies.

Fidji Simo’s AI vision centers on accessibility and empowerment

In her first company-wide memo, Simo emphasized AI’s potential in transforming areas like healthcare, life coaching, and creative expression. She stressed the importance of building inclusive AI systems that broaden access instead of consolidating power. Her stance reflects a deep commitment to ensuring AI tools benefit a diverse global user base. Simo's note highlighted the crucial choices AI companies face—between democratization of technology or reinforcing existing power structures.

OpenAI's new growth phase under Fidji Simo’s leadership

Simo’s arrival also marks the beginning of OpenAI’s next growth chapter. Having served on the board since March 2024, she’s already familiar with OpenAI’s strategic direction. Altman confirmed that the applications team she’ll oversee comprises business and operational arms responsible for translating research breakthroughs into real-world tools. Her leadership is expected to optimize scale, enhance product delivery, and bring renewed focus to human-centered innovation.