OpenAI Data Center Executive Chris Malone Departs the AI Startup

OpenAI executive Chris Malone, who served as head of data centers, has left the company, an OpenAI spokesperson confirmed Monday. His departure follows a series of executive exits at the ChatGPT maker, including Brad Lightcap, Fidji Simo, and Kevin Weil, and comes as OpenAI revives data center initiatives and appoints a chief technology officer to lead computing capacity.

Bloomberg -- An OpenAI executive helping to oversee the AI developer's data center buildout, Chris Malone, has left the company. Most Read from Bloomberg - Apple Gears Up to Launch Its First New Mac Mini in Two Years https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-25/apple-to-launch-new-mac-mini-airpods-5-and-oled-ipad-mini-timing-details?utm campaign=bn&utm medium=distro&utm source=yahooUS - Canadians Brace for Economic Pain as 50% US Tariffs Take Effect https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-23/canada-turned-down-a-us-tariff-deal-now-comes-the-economic-cost?utm campaign=bn&utm medium=distro&utm source=yahooUS - Canada Sees Long Trade War With US That May Last Beyond Midterms https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-23/canada-sees-long-trade-war-with-us-that-may-last-beyond-midterms?utm campaign=bn&utm medium=distro&utm source=yahooUS Malone, who had served as OpenAI's head of data centers, is no longer with the company, an OpenAI spokesperson said Monday. Malone's exit adds to a series of executive shuffles and departures at the ChatGPT maker in recent months. Longtime executive Brad Lightcap announced plans earlier this month to exit the company for a new project. Fidji Simo, who oversaw much of OpenAI's core business, stepped down last month after taking a medical leave. And Kevin Weil, the startup's former product chief, left in April. The Wall Street Journal reported on Malone's departure earlier on Monday, noting that OpenAI has recently made leadership changes within its infrastructure team, appointing a chief technology officer to lead computing capacity. OpenAI is reviving some data center initiatives, namely projects that would involve leasing entire facilities, and others are leading that effort in Malone's place, the Journal reported, citing unidentified sources. Malone didn't immediately respond to a message sent on LinkedIn. Two weeks ago, OpenAI named its second new chief revenue officer in less than a year, bringing on Dali Rajic, president and chief operating officer of Alphabet Inc.-owned Wiz. Rajic succeeds Denise Dresser, the former chief executive officer of Slack, who was hired for the CRO role at OpenAI in December. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek - Drones, Balloons and Sound Waves: New Ways to Fight the World's Fires https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-24/wildfire-fighting-technology-evolves-with-driverless-drones-and-ai-tools?utm campaign=bw&utm medium=distro&utm source=yahooUS - Plus-Size Clothes Are Disappearing at Retailers in GLP-1 Era https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-25/ozempic-glp-1-surge-prompts-retailers-to-reduce-plus-size-clothing-options?utm campaign=bw&utm medium=distro&utm source=yahooUS - New York's Israeli Restaurants Are Doing Better Than You Might Think https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-21/israeli-restaurants-in-new-york-like-malka-or-esh-and-motek-are-booking-up?utm campaign=bw&utm medium=distro&utm source=yahooUS ©2026 Bloomberg L.P.