OpenAI Faces Leadership Changes Amid Ongoing Executive Departures

OpenAI has experienced another executive departure, with Chris Malone, former head of data centers, leaving the company. Malone joined OpenAI in March 2025 after working at Meta and Google, but his tenure was short. The Wall Street Journal reported his exit, noting the significance of his role in overseeing the Stargate Project, a $500 million U.S. data center initiative. OpenAI cited reorganization as the reason for Malone’s departure, restructuring its infrastructure team under Vice President Sachin Katti. This incident adds to a wave of over 13 executive departures in 2026, including the loss of key figures like Fidji Simo and Denise Dresser. The exodus raises concerns about OpenAI’s stability ahead of its postponed IPO, with critics questioning its valuation and profitability. Other teams, such as ethics and safety, have also faced leadership changes, further intensifying scrutiny on the company’s management and strategic direction.