OpenAI Aims for Growth: Simo's Vision

Fidji Simo Leads OpenAI’s Ambitious Growth Vision

Fidji Simo, the newly appointed CEO of applications at OpenAI, has unveiled her vision for the company, aiming for substantial business growth driven by AI integration. Speaking at the VivaTech 2025 conference in Paris, Simo expressed confidence in OpenAI’s potential to achieve a 100-fold increase in scale, marking a pivotal moment for the AI industry.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised Simo’s appointment, describing her as instrumental in driving the company’s expansion. Simo, who will begin her role in August, will focus on transforming OpenAI’s research into practical applications that benefit society. Her strategy includes embedding AI into everyday tasks, from work and education to healthcare and shopping.

“AI will become an integrated layer in our daily lives,” Simo stated during her keynote. “It’s not just about chatbots or language models; it’s about creating an ambient AI experience that supports people in every aspect of their routines.”

OpenAI’s Strategic Moves and Simo’s Leadership

Simo’s arrival at OpenAI coincides with the company’s acquisition of io, an AI device startup founded by Jony Ive. This acquisition, combined with OpenAI’s foundational models, positions the company to develop a diverse range of AI-powered products. Simo’s background, particularly her success at Instacart, will be crucial in driving this expansion.

At Instacart, Simo transformed the company into a data-rich platform, enhancing digital grocery shopping through AI-driven tools like the "Caper Cart." She also emphasized the importance of balancing automation with human interaction, noting that customers prefer technology that augments rather than replaces human labor.

AI Integration at Instacart

During her tenure at Instacart, Simo led a comprehensive AI integration initiative. This included AI assistance for 87% of the code written by engineers, AI-enhanced marketing campaigns, and AI-supported legal contract analysis. Her approach demonstrated the potential of AI to streamline operations and increase productivity across various departments.

The Future of AI at OpenAI

Simo’s vision for OpenAI extends beyond current AI applications. She envisions AI as an ambient layer accessible through multiple devices, supporting users in education, healthcare, and daily tasks. This aligns with her belief that AI should solve specific problems rather than being implemented for its own sake.

“Companies often fail with enterprise AI because they focus on the technology itself rather than the problems it can solve,” Simo explained. At Instacart, she implemented AI training programs and designated AI advocates to drive adoption. She plans to apply a similar strategy at OpenAI to ensure widespread AI integration.

Simo’s personal experiences also influence her work in AI. After being diagnosed with a neuroimmune condition, she founded a research institute to accelerate medical discoveries using AI. She sees AI’s potential in improving access to health information and supporting individuals with similar conditions.

Broadening AI’s Reach

As OpenAI plans for future expansion, Simo’s appointment signals a focus on developing AI products for a broad consumer base. She emphasized that AI should impact everyone’s lives, reaching billions of users and providing value in multiple areas.

“AI has the power to transform how we work, learn, and manage our health,” Simo concluded. "Our goal at OpenAI is to make this technology accessible and beneficial to as many people as possible."