Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s No. 2 executive, is stepping down from her full-time role, according to reports. Simo will transition to a part-time advisory role following an extended medical leave. The move follows her initial disclosure of health issues in April 2026, which she described as more complex and prolonged than anticipated.

Simo joined OpenAI’s board of directors in 2024 and took on the role of CEO of the AGI deployment team in May 2025. Her departure marks a significant leadership shift for the company, which has been navigating challenges in its pursuit of artificial general intelligence.

Simo first disclosed her health issues in April 2026, when she announced she was taking medical leave. In a post on X, she stated that the road to recovery would be longer and more complex than expected, necessitating her full focus on her health.

The departure of a high-ranking executive like Simo may affect OpenAI’s strategic direction and operational continuity. It could also impact investor confidence and the company’s ability to meet its long-term goals, particularly in the development of AGI. The transition to a part-time role may introduce additional layers of complexity in decision-making and execution.

The leadership change raises questions about OpenAI’s stability and its capacity to manage its ambitious projects. As the company continues to push the boundaries of AI, the absence of a key figure like Simo may influence its pace of innovation and governance structure.