SAN FRANCISCO — OpenAI has announced the addition of two highly experienced executives to its leadership team: Sarah Friar as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Kevin Weil as Chief Product Officer (CPO). These appointments come as OpenAI continues its rapid growth, aiming to meet the increasing demand for its AI-driven products and services while maintaining a strong focus on pioneering research and responsible AI deployment.
Sarah Friar, formerly the CEO of Nextdoor and CFO at Square, brings a wealth of experience in financial leadership. At OpenAI, she will spearhead the finance team, ensuring that the organization remains well-funded to support its ambitious research agenda and expanding global operations. Her background includes significant roles at Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and Salesforce, along with board memberships at Walmart and ConsenSys. Friar’s deep expertise in scaling businesses and navigating complex financial landscapes will be critical as OpenAI continues its mission to advance AI for the benefit of all.
Kevin Weil, who previously led product and business at Planet Labs and held senior roles at Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, will take charge of OpenAI’s product strategy. With a strong track record of driving product innovation, Weil will lead efforts to translate OpenAI’s cutting-edge research into impactful products and services for consumers, developers, and enterprises. His experience in both startups and major tech companies positions him to guide OpenAI through its next phase of growth, ensuring that its AI technologies are deployed thoughtfully and effectively.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, expressed his confidence in the new appointments, stating, “Sarah and Kevin are exceptional leaders whose experience and vision will help OpenAI scale and succeed in our mission. Their leadership will be instrumental in shaping our strategy and ensuring that our teams are equipped to continue pushing the boundaries of AI research and product development.”
Sarah Friar and Kevin Weil both expressed their enthusiasm for joining OpenAI, highlighting the organization’s commitment to innovation and responsible AI deployment. Friar emphasized her focus on supporting OpenAI’s research excellence and global expansion, while Weil expressed excitement about driving product innovation that aligns with OpenAI’s ethical standards and long-term goals.
These leadership additions mark a significant step in OpenAI’s journey as it continues to lead the AI industry in research, product development, and ethical AI deployment on a global scale.
