OpenAI is charting a bold new course under the leadership of Fidji Simo, the incoming head of applications, who aims to bring the power of ChatGPT to billions of users across the globe—not just the tech elite.
Speaking at the VivaTech summit in Paris, Simo emphasized a broader vision for artificial intelligence. “ChatGPT reaches hundreds of millions of people, but fundamentally, AI should change lives for everyone,” she said during a virtual address. “We need to be reaching billions.”
Simo, who officially joins OpenAI after concluding her tenure as CEO of Instacart operator Maplebear Inc., will be responsible for steering the development and deployment of AI applications. Her portfolio will include managing product strategy, operations, and finance—areas previously overseen by CEO Sam Altman.
Her mission is clear: accelerate the integration of AI into sectors that impact daily life, including productivity, healthcare, and education. Simo believes these areas offer immense potential for AI to deliver practical benefits through intuitive, intelligent tools.
Her remarks reflect OpenAI’s growing commitment to democratizing generative AI, ensuring its capabilities extend well beyond early adopters and enterprise users. As the company sets its sights on global scale, Simo’s leadership marks a pivotal moment in transforming ChatGPT from a powerful innovation into an everyday utility for people everywhere.
