Hannah Wong, OpenAI’s chief communications officer, is set to leave the company in January. This news was confirmed by OpenAI’s spokesperson, Kayla Wood.
Wong’s contributions have been significant. CEO Sam Altman and applications CEO Fidji Simo praised her ability to clarify complex ideas. They described her role as essential in navigating OpenAI’s challenges over the past five years.
Wong joined OpenAI in 2021 when it was still a smaller research lab. Since then, she has led the communications team as ChatGPT became a leading consumer product. Notably, she helped steer the company through a public relations crisis during what they internally called “the blip,” a period marked by Altman’s brief departure and swift return in 2023.
In her absence, OpenAI’s VP of communications, Lindsey Held, will step in. The search for Wong’s replacement is being led by the chief marketing officer, Kate Rouch.
Reflecting on her time at OpenAI, Wong expressed gratitude for the chance to share the company’s story and contribute to its growth. She looks forward to spending more time with her family as she plans her next steps.
The impact of Wong’s departure raises questions about future communication strategies at OpenAI. As the company is at the forefront of AI development, it’s crucial to maintain transparency and clarity in messaging. Public interest in AI continues to grow, with a recent survey finding that over 65% of people are anxious about AI’s influence on job security. Leaders like Wong play a vital role in addressing these concerns, emphasizing the need for responsible communication in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
For more on communication strategies in tech, you can check this report from Pew Research.
The coming months will be telling for OpenAI as they navigate this transition.
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