# OpenAI nabs key Patreon execs ahead of upcoming announcement > Source: > Published: 2026-09-23 11:02:39+00:00 # OpenAI nabs key Patreon execs ahead of upcoming announcement By Jess WeatherbedSource: [The Verge AI](https://www.theverge.com) OpenAI has hired three former Patreon execs to anchor its product strategy for creators. After starting the creator subscription platform 13 years ago, co-founder and technology chief [Sam Yam announced on X](https://x.com/samyamiam/status/2102503574492332141) that he's joining OpenAI to lead Creator Product. He's also bringing Patreon's former product head [Drew Rowny](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/drowny_last-week-i-wrapped-up-four-of-the-most-meaningful-share-7497665160883412993-vjZn/) and engineering head [Shannon Ma](https://lnkd.in/p/eM9EF_r4) with him on the new venture, both of whom stepped down in the past few weeks. "We're going to build together with Creators at OpenAI and share early access to a new set of tools that I think will be critically valuable to Creators and their communities," Yam said in his announcement. "Pay [attention](https://www.machinebrief.com/glossary/attention) … Get AI news in your inbox Daily digest of what matters in AI.