Dissolved the independent Preparedness team and folded catastrophic-risk work into existing teams amid a wave of executive departures, ahead of a planned IPO reportedly targeting an 852 billion dollar valuation.
Head of Safety Systems since 2024; departed July 2026 as safety was folded into the research organization under Mia Glaese.
Previously Head of Alignment; absorbed safety-systems oversight in an expanded role as VP of Research and Safety after Heidecke's exit.
OpenAI's only dedicated AI ethicist; left in July 2026 with no replacement announced, leaving the ethics function vacant.
Chief Futurist, formerly head of the now-disbanded Mission Alignment team; departed July 24, 2026 after nearly nine years, one of the last visible safety-era veterans.
OpenAI Chief Research Officer; publicly framed the safety-research merger as necessary for coordination amid faster model release cycles.
OpenAI's No. 2 executive and CEO of Applications, leading AGI and consumer product development; stepped back to a part-time advisory role in July 2026 citing a health diagnosis (postural tachycardia syndrome).