OpenAI has announced a pivotal leadership addition: Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart and former Meta executive, will step into the newly created role of CEO of Applications. In this position, she will oversee OpenAI’s efforts to scale transformative products like ChatGPT and Sora, helping shape how cutting-edge research reaches people and industries worldwide.
Simo will report directly to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who will now focus more intently on AI safety, advanced research, and computing infrastructure—key pillars of OpenAI’s mission to responsibly develop Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Simo’s track record of product leadership, including her time as Head of the Facebook app and as Instacart’s CEO, positions her perfectly to lead OpenAI’s next chapter. “It’s an incredible privilege to join OpenAI at this moment,” she said. “I’m committed to ensuring these technologies serve the public good and unlock human potential globally.”
As OpenAI restructures to become a Public Benefit Corporation, the appointment underscores a strategic shift toward greater impact, transparency, and responsible growth.
Simo will remain Chair of Instacart’s board during the transition.