OpenAI names Instacart leader Fidji Simo as new CEO of Applications

Last night, OpenAI published a blog post on its official website authored by CEO and co-founder Sam Altman announcing a major new hire: Fidji Simo, currently CEO and Chair at grocery delivery company Instacart, will join OpenAI as CEO of Applications, a newly created executive position.

Simo will step into her new role at OpenAI later in 2025 following a transition period. She will report directly to Altman and lead the Applications division, which includes teams responsible for translating OpenAI’s research into products used by consumers and businesses worldwide.

Simo also shared a message with her team at Instacart, which she later posted publicly on her LinkedIn profile, stating: “This was an incredibly hard decision because I love this company… At the same time, you all know my passion for AI generally and in particular for the potential it has to cure diseases — the ability to lead such an ...