OpenAI is undergoing a major leadership overhaul, redistributing key responsibilities within its executive team. CEO Sam Altman is pivoting toward the company’s technical and research initiatives while COO Brad Lightcap assumes greater control over daily operations.
According to Bloomberg, Brad Lightcap, previously COO, will now take on a broader role, overseeing OpenAI’s daily operations, spearheading international expansion, and managing crucial partnerships with major tech players like Microsoft and Apple. Meanwhile, Mark Chen has been promoted to chief research officer, transitioning from his prior role as SVP of research, and Julia Villagra is stepping up as chief people officer, having previously served as VP of people.
In a blog post detailing the changes, OpenAI acknowledged its rapid growth, stating, “We remain focused on the same core—pursuing frontier AI research that accelerates human progress—but we now also deliver products used by hundreds of millions of people.”
The shift in leadership follows the exit of several high-profile executives. Former CTO Mira Murati, along with Bob McGrew (ex-chief research officer) and Barret Zoph (VP of post-training), all departed in recent months. In response to these abrupt changes, Altman commented, “I obviously won’t pretend it’s natural… but we are not a normal company,” describing the transitions as a necessary evolution in OpenAI’s journey.
These internal changes coincide with broader structural transformations at OpenAI. The company’s decision to transition from a non-profit to a for-profit entity has drawn criticism, most notably from co-founder Elon Musk, who has filed a lawsuit alleging that OpenAI is prioritizing profits over its original mission of advancing AI “for the benefit of humanity.”
