OpenAI has confirmed that its Chief Communications Officer, Hannah Wong, will step down at the end of January.
Wong joined the company in 2021, long before OpenAI became a household name, after previously working at Apple. She was promoted to Chief Communications Officer in August 2024, as OpenAI entered a period of intense public scrutiny and global attention following the rise of ChatGPT.
Her departure comes roughly a year and a half after taking on the top communications role.
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Growth of OpenAI’s communications team
During Wong’s tenure, OpenAI’s communications function expanded significantly. What began as a small team of around eight people grew to more than 50 staff members across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
This expansion coincided with OpenAI’s transition from a research-focused organization into a major commercial AI platform operating at global scale. The communications team played a central role in managing press engagement, policy messaging, and public understanding of rapidly evolving AI products.
In a personal statement, Wong emphasized that the decision was her own.
“After nearly five years at OpenAI and a lot of reflection, I’ve decided it’s time for me to step back and move into my next chapter,”
she wrote.
She added that she plans to take time off to focus on her family before deciding on her next professional move.
Interim leadership and next steps
Following Wong’s departure, Communications Vice President Lindsey Held Bolton will lead the communications team on an interim basis.
OpenAI’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kate Rouch, will oversee the search for a permanent replacement. The company has not indicated a timeline for naming a new Chief Communications Officer.
In a joint statement, Sam Altman and OpenAI Applications CEO Fidji Simo praised Wong’s impact, saying she played a defining role in shaping how the public understands OpenAI and its mission.
Departure comes amid major changes at OpenAI
Wong’s exit comes during a period of significant activity for OpenAI. The company recently confirmed that George Osborne will take on a new role focused on government engagement and public sector AI adoption.
At the same time, OpenAI leadership is managing several high profile initiatives, including the Stargate infrastructure project, the release of Sora 2, upgrades to GPT-5.2, and ongoing discussion around a possible future IPO.
Wong’s departure adds to a growing list of leadership changes as OpenAI continues to scale its operations and public presence.
