OpenAI · Wired · AI Safety · GPT · AGI · Wired
OpenAI’s Head of Safety Is Departing the Company
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◎ Multiple-sources
OpenAI’s head of safety systems, Johannes Heidecke, told staff this week that he’s leaving the company, WIRED has learned.
Key facts
- In a memo to staff seen by WIRED, chief research officer Mark Chen said OpenAI’s safety teams will now report to the company’s VP of research and head of alignment Mia Glaese, who will take
- Heidecke joined OpenAI in 2021 as an AI safety analyst
- Earlier this week, the company launched GPT-5.6, its most capable model to date on agentic coding tasks
- Earlier this week, OpenAI’s CEO of AGI deployment Fidji Simo told staff she would step down from her role after an extended medical leave
Summary
In a memo to staff seen by WIRED, chief research officer Mark Chen said OpenAI’s safety teams will now report to the company’s VP of research and head of alignment Mia Glaese, who will take on an expanded role as VP of research and safety. “The demands on safety continue to increase—we are training models at a much faster cadence, and release cycles have come down greatly in turn,” said Chen in the memo. “We’re grateful for Johannes’ contributions to OpenAI,” said Chen . Heidecke’s departure comes as OpenAI tries to launch increasingly capable AI models.