Brad Lightcap is leaving OpenAI. He shared the news in a message to staff on Tuesday.
Lightcap said it was bittersweet to share that he is moving on to start something new. He gave few details about what that next step will be.
Lightcap has worked at OpenAI since 2018. He is one of the longest serving executives at the company.
He first served as OpenAI's chief financial officer. He held that role for about four years.
In 2022, Lightcap became the company's chief operating officer. He stayed in that position until earlier this year.
Earlier in 2026, OpenAI reorganized several executive roles. Lightcap shifted from COO to lead special projects at the company.
Before joining OpenAI, Lightcap worked alongside CEO Sam Altman. The two worked together at venture capital firm Y Combinator.
Lightcap's Role at OpenAI
In his farewell message, Lightcap looked back on his time at the company. He said he helped build many of its earliest teams.
He named departments such as finance, legal, people operations, and government affairs. He said he watched each team grow under strong leadership.
Lightcap also looked ahead to his next move. He said he has spent recent months thinking about what comes next for him.
He said there are things the world needs to figure out as a new period begins. He did not explain what those things are.
Lightcap added that he still believes in OpenAI's mission. He said he plans to support that mission from a different position going forward.
More Executive Departures at OpenAI
Lightcap's exit follows a string of other changes at OpenAI. The company has seen several leadership shifts this year.
In July, Fidji Simo stepped down from her role as the company's second in command. She had overseen development of artificial general intelligence at the firm.
Other departures include Bill Peebles, who had led the company's video generator Sora before it was shut down. Kevin Weil, who served as vice president of the company's science division, also left OpenAI recently.
These changes are happening as OpenAI works toward a possible public stock offering. The company has faced pressure to settle its leadership team ahead of that step.
OpenAI has not named a replacement for Lightcap's special projects role. The company has also not said who will take on his remaining duties.
