OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap departs after eight years

Brad Lightcap, OpenAI's longtime chief operating officer, told employees on August 11 that he is leaving the company after eight years to 'start something new,' with few details given beyond staying on for a few more weeks during the transition. Lightcap moved out of the COO role in April 2026 into a special-projects position, with Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser absorbing most of his operating duties, and his exit adds to a string of recent senior departures as OpenAI prepares for a planned IPO.