Who is Fidji Simo? Career Details, Education, and Recognition

Fidji Simo is a woman of French-American origin. She is the CEO of Applications of OpenAI, who was recently hired in May 2025. This must not be confused with the fact that the CEO of OpenAI is Sam Altman. Simo has been hired for the Applications section, and she will be reporting to Sam Altman. She is quite popular in the world of technology and management for her reputation for growing the strategies of prominent companies throughout her career. 

Sam even announced the news of her appointment as the CEO to the public via his Twitter: 

so excited that @fidjissimo is joining openai in a new role: ceo of applications, reporting to me.

i'll remain ceo of openai, but in this new configuration i'll be able to increase my focus on research, compute, and safety.

these are critical as we approach superintelligence.

— Sam Altman (@sama) May 8, 2025

Net Worth

The net worth of Fidji Simo is estimated to be around 70.75 million dollars, as per the reports of Insider Trades. She is known to own shares of Maplebear stock. She is set to receive a massive salary as the new CEO of Open AI applications. Her wealth is usually a result of the stocks that she has bought in various companies and invested her funds smartly. 

Education and Initiatives

Fidji Simo made a record in her family by being the first person to graduate from high school. She also holds a Master's degree in Management from HEC Paris, situated in Paris, France. For the last year of her program, she chose the UCLA Anderson School of Management. Simo has co-founded a health clinic and research institute named Metrodora Institute. Currently, she is president of Metrodora Foundation. This establishment helps treat chronic health conditions and provides aid to patients.

Career 

eBay (2007–2011)

Fidji Simo began her career at eBay. She was a part of the strategy team, where she contributed to the development of local commerce and classified advertising initiatives.

Facebook (2011–2021)

In 2011, Simo joined Facebook, which is now Meta, where she held several leadership positions over a decade. She acted as the Vice President and Head of the Facebook App, where she was responsible for overseeing key features such as News Feed, Stories, Groups, Video, Marketplace, Gaming, News, Dating, and Ads. Her contribution was immense in monetizing Facebook's mobile platform and was instrumental in launching video products like Facebook Live and Watch. 

Instacart (2021–2025)

Simo joined Instacart's board in January 2021. It took her 7 months to become CEO in August 2021. She succeeded founder Apoorva Mehta. She helped Instacart expand beyond grocery delivery, launching initiatives like Instacart Health to promote healthier lifestyles. She also led the company through its IPO in September 2023 and was appointed Chair of the Board.

OpenAI (2024–Present)

Simo was appointed as a member of the board of directors of OpenAI in March 2024. In May 2025, CEO Sam Altman announced her appointment as CEO of Applications, a newly created role focusing on bringing OpenAI's research to the public through consumer applications. She is expected to transition from her role at Instacart over the coming months while remaining its Chair.

Recognition

Fortune’s Most Powerful Women 

Simo was named among Fortune magazine’s "Most Powerful Women" in 2023. This list honors influential female executives who have made significant impacts in business, with Simo recognized for her transformative leadership at Instacart, particularly during its IPO and healthcare pivot.

Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business

Fidji Simo was included in Fast Company’s "Most Creative People in Business" list. It celebrates visionary thinkers who push boundaries and reshape industries. Her innovative work with Facebook's video products and her entrepreneurial direction at Instacart contributed to this recognition. 

Vanity Fair’s Most Influential French People

Vanity Fair ranked Fidji Simo among the most influential French personalities in the world, highlighting her ascent from a small French town to the forefront of Silicon Valley’s leadership circle. 

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