Instacart's CEO is about to take the reins of a big chunk of OpenAI
It's a brand-new role, first revealed as part of Altman's reorganization announcement in May. At the time, Altman wrote that he'd still oversee what he called the three pillars of OpenAI — research, compute, and applications — but that he would start to focus more on the research and compute side of things, including safety systems. Simo, on the other hand, will be more focused on product and growth.
In a memo to employees, which was also published on OpenAI's blog, Simo wrote she was most excited for AI-led healthcare breakthroughs. She also wrote extensively about her belief in AI's ability to help with career and life coaching, creative expression, time-saving, medical second opinions, regaining time, and personalized tutoring.
Simo wrote that major technology trends can either expand access to power or 'further concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few — usually people who already have money, credentials, and connections.' She wrote that the choices the company and AI leaders make now 'will shape whether the coming transformation leads to greater empowerment for all, or greater concentration of wealth and power for the few.'
Simo first joined OpenAI's board in March 2024. Her appointment came at the same time as CEO Sam Altman regained his board seat, after an internal investigation of the lead-up to his ouster.
OpenAI's applications department 'brings together a group of existing business and operational teams responsible for how our research reaches and benefits the world,' Altman wrote in May, adding that Simo's role will focus on 'enabling our 'traditional' company functions to scale as we enter a next phase of growth.'
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly referred to Simo as the former CEO of Instacart. Simo will remain as CEO through the company's earnings in early August and then transition into her role at OpenAI.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Bloomberg
a minute ago
- Bloomberg
A Data Deluge Brings a ‘Moment of Truth' for Markets This Week
By , Augusta Saraiva, and Mark Niquette Save Wall Street pros are staring down a pivotal week that will likely set the tone for the rest of the year in markets and the economy. First and foremost is the conclusion of the Federal Reserve 's meeting on Wednesday, and although it isn't expected to cut interest rates, traders and investors will be poring over commentary for clues about the path ahead. Then there's a string of Big Tech earnings with Inc., Apple Inc., Meta Platforms Inc. and Microsoft Corp. all reporting. And sprinkled throughout are some of the leading indicators on the state of the economy, from gross domestic product to nonfarm payrolls.
Forbes
a minute ago
- Forbes
Texas Lawmaker Files Recreational Cannabis Legalization Bill
A Texas lawmaker has introduced a bill to legalize marijuana as the legislature reconvenes for a ... More special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott. A Texas lawmaker last week introduced legislation to legalize recreational cannabis for adults. The measure, HB 195, was filed in the Texas House of Representatives by Democratic Rep. Jessica González on July 24. González filed the new bill as the Texas legislature met in a special session called by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. The governor called for the special session last month to renew deliberations on several issues from this year's regular legislative session, including the regulation of hemp products marketed for human consumption. HB 195 Legalizes Weed For Adults If passed by the legislature and signed into law, HB 195 would legalize recreational marijuana in Texas for adults aged 21 and older, online cannabis news source Marijuana Moment reported on Thursday. The measure would allow adults to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis, including up to 15 grams of marijuana concentrates. Adults would also be permitted to share the same quantities of cannabis, provided such exchanges are not advertised, promoted or paid for. Adults would be permitted to keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis at home, although amounts over 2.5 ounces would have to be kept in a locked or secured area. The measure does not legalize home cannabis cultivation, however. Legislation Authorizes Regulated Sales Of Recreational Marijuana The legislation also legalizes commercial production and sales of recreational cannabis, which would be regulated by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (DLR). The agency would be tasked with issuing licenses for cannabis growers, transporters, testing facilities, processors and retailers, beginning no later than November 1, 2026. The Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation, which oversees the DLR, would be responsible for drafting regulations to govern the cannabis industry. The bill mandates the adoption of regulations covering several issues, including requirements for child-resistant packaging. Marijuana product packaging would also be required to be labeled as cannabis and would be barred from resembling the packaging of commercial candy products. The commission would also be required to develop regulations for a track-and-trace system to monitor cannabis products as they travel through the supply chain. The legislation also mandates rules covering the security of cannabis facilities, restricting dangerous pesticides, and the advertising and display of cannabis products. HB 195 also mandates the distribution of taxes and fees collected from the legal cannabis industry. The DLR would receive 10% of revenue to oversee and administer the state's legal cannabis program. Another 10% would go to the Texas Department of Safety to oversee cannabis laboratory testing, while 20% would go to municipalities and counties with at least one licensed cannabis business. The remainder of revenue collected would be earmarked for the Texas Education Agency's Foundation School Program. The Texas State Capitol in Austin. Bill Gives Local Governments Some Control Over Cannabis Businesses Cannabis businesses would only be permitted in jurisdictions where the local government has authorized commercial cannabis activity. Local governments would also be allowed to set rules governing the number, operating hours and location of cannabis businesses in their jurisdiction. The legislation allows property owners to ban cannabis smoking on the premises. However, bans on other forms of cannabis consumption, cannabis possession or marijuana paraphernalia are not permitted. The bill does not legalize consuming cannabis in a motor vehicle, watercraft or aircraft. Consuming cannabis in a public place would also remain illegal except in areas authorized by local governments. Texas Cannabis Activists Laud New Legalization Bill Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center, applauded the introduction of HB 195. 'As we continue the conversation about hemp regulation, we appreciate Rep. Gonzalez's bill to simply legalize and regulate cannabis across the board,' Fazio told Marijuana Moment. 'Her bill cuts to the chase: cannabis should be legal for adult use. Not more arrests. No more criminal records. And no more confusing policies. Just safe, legal cannabis in Texas.' HB 195 is awaiting assignment to a legislative committee in the Texas House of Representatives. If the measure is passed and signed into law, Texas will join the 24 states that have legalized recreational marijuana. Last month, lawmakers significantly expanded the state's medical cannabis program, making the Lone Star State the 40th state to adopt comprehensive medical marijuana legalization.
Fox News
a minute ago
- Fox News
EU trade deal a 'homerun' for Trump and American people, Republican strategist says
A 'Fox News Live' political panel reacts to President Donald Trump's announcement of a trade deal with the European Union.
