OpenAI Faces Leadership Change as Data Center Chief Chris Malone Departs

OpenAI’s former head of data centers, Chris Malone, has departed the artificial intelligence company following a recent reorganisation of its infrastructure operations, adding to a series of senior leadership changes across the organisation. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Malone’s departure comes just over a year after he joined OpenAI in March 2025, following previous roles at Google and Meta. His exit adds to a growing list of high-profile executive departures across OpenAI’s business, product, ethics, safety and operational functions. Infrastructure Leadership Reshuffle Malone joined OpenAI around the launch of the Stargate Project, a proposed $500 billion AI data-centre initiative involving OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank and other partners. The project was established to expand computing infrastructure in the US to support the development and deployment of advanced AI systems. OpenAI has recently restructured its infrastructure organisation to manage its expanding operational requirements. Technical and leadership responsibilities have been…

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, Malone’s departure comes just over a year after he joined OpenAI in March 2025, following previous roles at Google and Meta.

His exit adds to a growing list of high-profile executive departures across OpenAI’s business, product, ethics, safety and operational functions.

Infrastructure Leadership Reshuffle

Malone joined OpenAI around the launch of the Stargate Project, a proposed $500 billion AI data-centre initiative involving OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank and other partners. The project was established to expand computing infrastructure in the US to support the development and deployment of advanced AI systems.

OpenAI has recently restructured its infrastructure organisation to manage its expanding operational requirements. Technical and leadership responsibilities have been distributed among senior executives including Uday Ruddarraju, Brent Mayo and Spas Lazarov.

Executive Turnover Continues

According to a tally cited by Business Insider, Malone’s departure marks the 13th senior executive exit at OpenAI in 2026.

Other recent leadership changes include the departure of Chief Revenue Officer Denise Dresser, who was succeeded by former Wiz executive Dali Rajic.

Longtime executive Brad Lightcap also departed in August, while Fidji Simo stepped down from her full-time role as CEO of Applications in July to move into an advisory position.

Other executives to have left the company this year include former Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil, former Chief Marketing Officer Kate Rouch and former Head of Ethics Chloé Bakalar.

OpenAI Navigates Next Phase of Growth

The leadership changes come as OpenAI pursues large-scale infrastructure leasing arrangements and prepares for a potential initial public offering.

OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar recently told employees that the company is targeting a 2027 IPO timeline, while leaving open the possibility of accelerating the process depending on market conditions.

Amid the ongoing executive transitions, OpenAI co-founder and President Greg Brockman has taken on an expanded internal management role.

Malone’s departure therefore comes at a significant point for OpenAI as the company continues scaling its infrastructure, organisational structure and commercial operations to support its expanding AI ambitions.