OpenAI Veteran Brad Lightcap Leaves to Launch New Venture

Brad Lightcap joined OpenAI in 2018, before ChatGPT transformed the research lab into one of the world’s most valuable private technology companies. He built early finance, legal, human resources, corporate security, go-to-market and partnerships teams and became chief operating officer in 2022. His exit is significant as OpenAI reshapes its leadership and weighs an initial public offering that could value the company at more than $1 trillion.

Lightcap told employees on Aug. 11 that he would leave OpenAI to “start something new,” without identifying the venture. He said he would remain for a few weeks to help with the transition and was “not going far.” Lightcap had shifted out of the COO role in January to oversee special projects while reporting directly to Chief Executive Sam Altman. His departure follows other senior exits, including former chief product officer Kevin Weil in May and Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s No. 2 executive, in July.