Key Points
- Hannah Wong, OpenAI’s chief communications officer, will leave at the end of January.
- Wong joined OpenAI in 2021 from Apple and grew the communications team from about eight to over 50 globally.
- Communications VP Lindsey Held Bolton will serve as interim head of communications.
- Chief marketing officer Kate Rouch will lead the search for a permanent chief communications officer.
- Former UK chancellor George Osborne has been appointed head of OpenAI for Countries to work with governments.
- OpenAI is advancing projects such as the $500 billion Stargate Project, Sora 2, and GPT‑5.2.
- The company hinted at possible restructuring ahead of a potential IPO.
OpenAI logo
Leadership Transition
OpenAI’s chief communications officer, Hannah Wong, confirmed she will depart the company at the end of January. Wong, who became part of OpenAI in 2021 after leaving Apple, has been a central figure in shaping the public narrative around the company’s work. Her decision to step down was presented as a personal choice, with the company emphasizing her contributions over her tenure.
Team Growth Under Wong
During Wong’s time at OpenAI, the communications function expanded significantly. The team grew from roughly eight employees to more than 50 staff members distributed across the United States, Europe, and Asia. This growth reflects the increasing public interest in OpenAI’s research and product offerings, as well as the broader expansion of the organization’s global footprint.
Interim Management and Search for Successor
Following Wong’s exit, communications vice president Lindsey Held Bolton will oversee the communications organization on an interim basis. In parallel, chief marketing officer Kate Rouch has been tasked with identifying a permanent replacement for the chief communications role. The leadership transition is being managed to ensure continuity of messaging while the search for a new chief communications officer proceeds.
Strategic Context and New Appointments
The departure announcement arrives alongside other notable developments at OpenAI. Former UK chancellor George Osborne has joined the firm as head of OpenAI for Countries, a role focused on liaising with governments to embed AI technologies into public services and modernize systems. Osborne’s appointment underscores OpenAI’s emphasis on policy engagement and international collaboration.
Broader Company Initiatives
OpenAI is simultaneously advancing a series of high‑profile projects. The company highlighted the ongoing $500 billion Stargate Project, the launch of Sora 2, and the rollout of the upgraded GPT‑5.2 model. These initiatives illustrate OpenAI’s continued drive to push the boundaries of generative AI and expand its product portfolio. Additionally, the firm hinted at potential restructuring ahead of a possible initial public offering, signaling an evolving corporate strategy as it scales.
Outlook
OpenAI’s leadership changes and strategic endeavors reflect a period of rapid growth and transformation for the organization. While Wong’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the company’s communications history, the interim leadership and ongoing search aim to sustain the momentum built over the past years. The addition of high‑profile figures such as Osborne and the pursuit of ambitious AI projects suggest that OpenAI remains focused on shaping the future of artificial intelligence across both technology and policy arenas.
Source: techradar.com