• Wednesday Announcement: OpenAI announced that Instacart CEO Fidji Simo will join as "CEO of Applications" later this year. She has served on OpenAI's board since March 2024 and will oversee business and operational teams, reporting directly to Altman. She spent a decade at Meta including as Facebook head from 2019 - 2021 and is on Shopify's board.
• Reason for Earlier Announcement: Due to a "leak" that accelerated the timeline. At OpenAI, Simo will manage "traditional company functions" as the organization enters its "next phase of growth" with the applications category including ChatGPT.
• Transition and Future: Simo will transition over time and posted on LinkedIn she won't leave Instacart for a couple months as they appoint a successor. Altman described her as bringing unique expertise and being optimistic about the future.
• OpenAI's Evolving Structure: As OpenAI evolves beyond a research lab, it now operates in three areas: research lab focused on AGI, global product company serving millions, and infrastructure company. Altman will oversee all pillars and be closely involved in key decisions.
• Recent News: OpenAI abandoned its plan to cede control of its nonprofit branch to a for-profit entity after facing pressure. It began as a nonprofit in 2015 and created a for-profit subsidiary in 2019 while maintaining its mission to benefit everyone.