Fidji Simo steps down from leading OpenAI’s AGI work due to illness

Fidji Simo, OpenAI's AGI chief, is stepping down from her full-time role and transitioning to a part-time advisor position. The move follows a severe exacerbation of a chronic illness that had already caused her to take medical leave several months ago. OpenAI announced the change, noting that Simo will continue to provide strategic guidance on a part-time basis.

Simo had been leading OpenAI's efforts to achieve artificial general intelligence, a central goal for the company. The company has not named a successor for her full-time role, and it remains unclear how her departure will affect the AGI timeline or team structure. OpenAI has experienced a series of senior-level departures in recent years, though many were due to disagreements over safety and direction rather than health reasons.

The departure of a high-level executive overseeing AGI work raises questions about continuity within one of OpenAI's most critical divisions. The company has been under pressure to balance rapid progress in AI capabilities with safety considerations. Simo's reduced role adds to a pattern of leadership transitions at the company, which has seen co-founders and key researchers leave over the past two years. OpenAI has not detailed plans for filling the AGI chief role.