Instacart's CEO Fidji Simo will officially join OpenAI on August 18 as the head of the applications department. Simo will lead at least one-third of OpenAI's business and report directly to OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman. Her new position is "Chief Executive Officer for Applications," with the main task of expanding and promoting the application scenarios of artificial intelligence technology.
Image source note: The image was generated by AI, and the image licensing service provider is Midjourney
This new role was first introduced in Altman's organizational restructuring announced in May. At that time, Altman said he would continue to supervise OpenAI's three pillars — research, computing, and applications — but would focus more on research and computing, including safety systems. In contrast, Simo will focus on product development and market growth.
In a memo to employees, Simo expressed her excitement about breakthroughs in artificial intelligence in the healthcare field. She elaborated on her confidence in the potential of artificial intelligence in career and life guidance, creative expression, time-saving, medical second opinions, and personalized tutoring. Simo also mentioned that major technological trends could either expand access to power or further concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few. She emphasized that future choices will determine whether this shift brings broader empowerment or concentrates wealth and power even more.
Simo first joined OpenAI's board of directors in March 2024, and her appointment coincided with Altman regaining his board seat, after he was temporarily removed due to an internal investigation. Altman said in May that OpenAI's applications department would integrate existing business and operations teams to ensure that the company's research benefits the world, and Simo's responsibilities will include expanding traditional corporate functions to adapt to future growth stages.
Simo will transition into her role at OpenAI after the release of Instacart's earnings report. Currently, she still serves as the CEO of Instacart.
Key points:
🌟 Fidji Simo will officially join OpenAI on August 18 as the Chief Executive Officer for Applications, responsible for promoting the application of AI technology.
🚀 In her memo, Simo emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence in areas such as healthcare, career guidance, and personalized tutoring.
🔄 Altman said that Simo's joining will help expand OpenAI's business and drive the company to a higher stage of development.