12 executives who left OpenAI in 2026

OpenAI continues to undergo significant leadership shake-ups, with multiple senior executives departing in 2026.

Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images OpenAI has undergone significant leadership changes, with multiple executives departing in 2026.

Notable exits include Denise Dresser, Brad Lightcap, and Fidji Simo.

OpenAI also saw reshuffling in its safety operations and ethics teams.

OpenAI's revolving door is still spinning.

The ChatGPT maker has lost a string of senior leaders in 2026, including former operating chief Brad Lightcap, applications CEO Fidji Simo, chief revenue officer Denise Dresser, and executives overseeing marketing, enterprise products, science, safety, and ethics.

Some left to start new ventures, while some stepped back for health reasons.

The departures follow another year of turnover in 2025 , when OpenAI lost its chief people and communications officers, a top researcher who went on to launch an AI-science startup, and at least seven researchers recruited by Meta.

Here are the prominent OpenAI leaders who have headed for the exits in 2026.

Denise Dresser Denise Dresser is leaving her role as OpenAI's chief revenue officer.

Bloomberg/Getty Images OpenAI announced in August that its chief revenue officer, Denise Dresser , is leaving the company.

Dresser began the position in December 2025.

"Denise will leave OpenAI to pursue other opportunities following a transition period, during which she will work closely with the business team to support our customers," the company wrote in a blog post.

Dali Rajic will take over the role.