An article summarized by TechCrunch:
Brad Lightcap, one of OpenAI’s longest-serving executives, is leaving the company to “start something new.” Lightcap joined OpenAI in 2018 and served as CFO for four years before becoming chief operating officer in 2022. Earlier this year, he moved into a special projects role as part of a broader executive shakeup.
In a message to employees, Lightcap said he helped build many of OpenAI’s core business and operational teams, including finance, legal, partnerships and government relations. He gave few details about his next move but suggested he is working on a new venture focused on challenges he believes the world will need to address as AI enters its next phase.
Lightcap’s departure comes as OpenAI prepares for a potentially massive IPO and undergoes significant changes among its senior leadership. Several other high-level executives have recently left or changed roles, including Fidji Simo, who stepped down from her No. 2 position in July. Despite leaving, Lightcap said he believes in OpenAI “more than ever” and plans to support the company from outside.
