OpenAI undergoes leadership reshuffle: What is Sam Altman's new focus?
25 Mar 2025

OpenAI is undergoing a significant leadership shift, with CEO Sam Altman shifting his focus to the company's "research and product efforts."

This transition comes as OpenAI faces growing competition from rivals and adjustments to its product launch roadmap for the year.

While the launch of artificial general intelligence (AGI) remains uncertain, Altman is reportedly working on specialized AI agents.

These include a "high-income knowledge worker" agent, a software developer agent, and the most advanced option—an agent for "PhD-level research"—at $20,000/month.

OpenAI promotes Mark Chen and Julia Villagra
New roles

Brad Lightcap, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), will now handle day-to-day operations and international expansion while overseeing key partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft and Apple.

The company has also announced the promotions of Mark Chen and Julia Villagra.

Chen, who was previously the Senior Vice President (SVP) of research, has been elevated to Chief Research Officer (CRO).

Villagra, formerly Vice President (VP) of people, is now the Chief People Officer (CPO).

Altman's new role and company's future plans
Strategic shift

The restructuring at OpenAI was also due to vacancies left by other departures. Former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Mira Murati departed in September to start her own AI venture.

The company has no plans to replace her for now.

This strategic shift comes as OpenAI gears up for an impending restructuring, following its December 2023 decision, to transition from a non-profit entity into a public benefit corporation.

OpenAI also said it remains committed to its mission to build AGI.