Hannah Wong, OpenAI's inaugural chief communications officer, will depart the company at the end of January, marking the end of a transformative chapter for the artificial intelligence giant.
The exit comes as OpenAI pursues multiple high-stakes initiatives, including a $1.4 trillion infrastructure investment and a corporate restructuring that could enable a future IPO valued at potentially $300 billion.
From Apple to AI Pioneer
Wong joined OpenAI in 2021 from Apple, where she helped establish the tech giant's communications department. At the time, OpenAI was still a relatively modest research facility.
She quickly became instrumental in building the company's public image from the ground up. Her role expanded to oversee relations, communications, brand design, social media, community outreach, and talent partnerships.
Navigating High-Profile Crises
Wong's tenure included steering OpenAI through intense regulatory scrutiny from European authorities over ChatGPT's compliance with digital services regulations. The EU has considered classifying ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine, which would trigger extensive testing requirements and transparency obligations.
Her most significant challenge came during CEO Sam Altman's brief removal and reinstatement in November 2023, an episode the company internally refers to as "the blip". Wong's crisis management during that period proved critical to stabilizing public perception as the drama unfolded.
Leadership Transition
Lindsey Held Bolton, OpenAI's vice president of communication, will serve as interim team leader and report directly to chief marketing officer Kate Rouch. A formal search for Wong's permanent successor is underway, according to company insiders."
Hannah has been pivotal in shaping public perception of OpenAI and our initiatives," stated CEO Sam Altman and applications CEO Fidji Simo in a joint statement. "Her remarkable skill in clarifying intricate concepts, delivered with thoughtfulness and elegance, has been invaluable."
Timing and Context
Wong's departure follows OpenAI's completion of a year-long corporate restructuring process in October 2025. The transformation enables the nonprofit parent to retain control while the profit-seeking arm scales capital acquisition to support massive AI infrastructure investments
This strategic shift comes as Sam Altman positions himself to potentially profit $10.5 billion from OpenAI's evolving structure. The company has already committed to spending $1.4 trillion on data centers, chips, and talent to support AI development.
In her draft LinkedIn post, Wong reflected on her tenure: "These years have been intense and profoundly transformative. I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to narrate OpenAI's story, unveil ChatGPT and other remarkable products to the world".
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