Fidji Simo, formerly the CEO of Instacart, is making a significant career move to OpenAI, where she will assume the role of CEO of Applications. This transition signals a strategic expansion for OpenAI, highlighting the company's commitment to translating its cutting-edge AI research into practical, user-friendly applications. Sam Altman, OpenAI's CEO, announced the appointment, noting that Simo will report directly to him and will be responsible for leading the Applications division, which focuses on bringing OpenAI's research to the world.
Simo's move to OpenAI comes after a successful tenure at Instacart, where she served as CEO since 2021. During her leadership, Instacart achieved significant milestones, including a successful IPO in 2023 and a diversification of its services beyond grocery delivery. She also oversaw the launch of new products and initiatives, such as smart carts and Instacart Health. Before Instacart, Simo spent over a decade at Meta (formerly Facebook), holding key positions such as Head of the Facebook App and VP of Video, Games, and Monetization. Her experience at Meta included overseeing the development and strategy for key features like the News Feed, Stories, Groups, Video, Marketplace, Gaming, News, Dating, and Ads.
At OpenAI, Simo will be responsible for leading the teams that focus on turning AI research into real-world tools, including products like ChatGPT. Altman has described the Applications division as the group responsible for how OpenAI's research "reaches and benefits the world". In addition to leading the Applications division, Simo will also help scale OpenAI's internal operations, including traditional company functions such as finance, product, and business management. Several top executives, including COO Brad Lightcap, CFO Sarah Friar, and CPO Kevin Weil, will report to her.
Altman has expressed his confidence in Simo's ability to lead the Applications division, citing her experience and commitment to OpenAI's mission. "[Fidji] brings a rare blend of leadership, product and operational expertise, and genuine commitment to ensuring our technology benefits everyone," Altman said. Simo, who has served on OpenAI's board since March 2024, is expected to leverage her consumer tech background to help OpenAI extract larger revenues from its research and development efforts.
Simo's appointment comes at a time when OpenAI is focused on expanding its reach and impact. The company has made significant strides in AI research and development, and it is now looking to translate these advancements into practical applications that can benefit individuals and businesses alike. OpenAI's strategy involves expanding its services and appealing to the general public while remaining indispensable to client companies. The company is also focused on building independent distribution channels through partnerships and revenue sharing.
Simo's move to OpenAI is a significant development in the tech industry, highlighting the increasing importance of AI and the demand for leaders who can translate innovative ideas into functional solutions. Her experience at Instacart and Meta, combined with her passion for AI, make her well-suited to lead OpenAI's Applications division and drive the company's next phase of growth. Simo will transition out of her role as Instacart CEO over the next few months and join OpenAI full-time later this year. She will remain involved with Instacart as the chair of its board of directors. Instacart is expected to announce a current member of Instacart's management team as her successor as CEO soon.
