CEO of Instacart Joining OpenAI for Major Role

Big move in the AI world! Fidji Simo, the CEO of Instacart, is joining OpenAI as the CEO of Applications, reporting directly to Sam Altman, reported The Information. This shift allows Altman to focus more on research, compute, and safety, especially as OpenAI moves closer to developing superintelligence.

Simo, who has been on OpenAI’s board since March 2024, will oversee application-focused initiatives, including ChatGPT and other consumer-facing AI products. She previously spent over a decade at Facebook, leading app operations, gaming, monetization, and product management.

This appointment signals OpenAI’s strategy to balance research ambitions with commercial scaling, ensuring its AI applications reach broader audiences.

Fidji Simo has had an impressive career spanning leadership roles in major tech companies:

• Early Career at eBay (2007–2011): She worked on strategy and helped develop local commerce and classified-advertising initiatives.
• Facebook (2011–2021): Simo spent a decade at Facebook, where she led the development of key features like News Feed, Stories, Groups, Video, Marketplace, Gaming, News, Dating, and Ads. She played a crucial role in monetizing mobile and making video a central part of Facebook’s experience, including launching Facebook Live and Facebook Watch.
• Instacart (2021–2025): She joined Instacart’s board in January 2021 and became CEO in July 2021, replacing Apoorva Mehta. Under her leadership, Instacart went public in September 2023, breaking a long-standing tech IPO drought.
• OpenAI (2025–Present): Simo was appointed CEO of Applications at OpenAI, reporting to Sam Altman. She will oversee consumer-facing AI products like ChatGPT, allowing Altman to focus on research, compute, and safety.

Simo also co-founded the Metrodora Institute, a research center focused on neuroimmune disorders, and serves as President of the Metrodora Foundation. Additionally, she has been a board member at Shopify and OpenAI since 2021 and 2024, respectively.

Her career reflects a strong focus on consumer technology, AI applications, and digital innovation. What aspect of her leadership interests you most? Comment below...