OpenAI has confirmed that its Chief People Officer, Julia Villagra, is leaving the company. Villagra, who joined the artificial intelligence maker in February 2024 as head of human resources, was promoted to the top HR role by CEO Sam Altman just a month later in March. Her departure comes at a critical time for the company as it navigates intense competition for top AI research talent across the industry.
The company stated that Fidji Simo, the recently appointed CEO of applications, will lead the search for a new chief people officer. In the interim, Chief Strategy Officer Jason Kwon will oversee the human resources functions. According to OpenAI, Villagra is leaving to pursue a personal passion project focused on using art, music, and storytelling to help people understand the transition to artificial general intelligence (AGI).
Villagra’s exit coincides with growing public concern about AI’s impact on the workforce. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 71% of Americans are concerned that AI will lead to permanent job losses for many people, despite current low unemployment rates. This public apprehension highlights the complex societal challenges that OpenAI and other AI firms are navigating.
The departure also occurs amidst an unprecedented talent war in the AI sector. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly attempted to poach OpenAI researchers with offers of up to $100 million in signing bonuses. Furthermore, OpenAI is reportedly discussing a share sale that would value the startup at $500 billion, a significant increase from its current $300 billion valuation, underscoring both its rapid growth and the enormous financial stakes in the competition for AI supremacy.
