Exclusive: OpenAI's chief people officer to depart, company says

Leadership Change Announced

OpenAI has announced that Julia Villagra, its Chief People Officer, will be stepping down from her position. The departure is set for Friday, according to a company spokesperson who spoke with Reuters. Villagra’s departure marks a significant shift within the organization, which has experienced several recent high-profile executive changes.

Background on Julia Villagra’s Tenure

Villagra was promoted to the role of Chief People Officer in March 2025 by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to building its leadership team as it navigates rapid growth and the complex demands of the artificial intelligence sector.[Reuters]

Executive Turnover at OpenAI

  • Her departure follows a string of high-profile exits at OpenAI, including former Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati and former Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever.[Thurrott]
  • The company has promoted other leaders and restructured responsibilities, with Brad Lightcap now handling global operations and key partnerships.
  • OpenAI’s workforce continues to expand quickly, reportedly reaching thousands of employees as demand for AI development and deployment intensifies.[SQ Magazine]

OpenAI’s Role and Recent Growth

OpenAI is renowned for developing advanced tools like ChatGPT and GPT-4, driving adoption of AI across numerous industries. The company’s rapid expansion has precipitated organizational changes to support its global reach and commitment to responsible artificial intelligence leadership.

The departure of Villagra is indicative of the broader transformations within OpenAI as it adapts to the evolving needs and expectations of the AI sector.

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