OpenAI communications chief Hannah Wong announces departure
OpenAI chief communications officer Hannah Wong has announced she will leave the company after nearly five years, marking a senior leadership change at a time when OpenAI continues to expand its influence across AI development, public policy, education, and workforce skills. The update was shared in a LinkedIn post as the organization heads into 2026 with a new product roadmap.
Transition at OpenAI’s communications team
Wong shared the news in a LinkedIn post, describing the decision as the close of an important chapter following a period of rapid growth and public attention for OpenAI.
“After nearly five years at OpenAI and a lot of reflection, I’ve decided it’s time for me to step back and move into my next chapter,” she said.
She added that the timing followed a period of reflection as OpenAI passed a milestone for ChatGPT.
“There’s never a good or easy moment to say goodbye to a place you care so deeply about, but as we head into 2026 - coming off ChatGPT’s third birthday and with a strong, exciting roadmap for the year ahead - this feels like the right time,” Wong said.
OpenAI confirmed that Lindsey Held Bolton will lead the communications team on an interim basis, while Kate Rouch will oversee the search for the next chief communications officer.
Five years shaping OpenAI’s public narrative
During her tenure, Wong held several senior communications roles at OpenAI, including director and head of public relations, vice president of communications, and most recently chief communications officer. Her time at the company coincided with OpenAI’s transition from a research-focused organization into a global consumer and enterprise AI provider.
“These years have been intense and deeply formative,” Wong said. “I’m grateful I got to help tell OpenAI’s story, introduce ChatGPT and other incredible products to the world, and share more about the people forging the path to AGI during an extraordinary moment of growth and momentum.”
Before joining OpenAI in 2021, Wong spent more than seven years at Apple, working across communications for products including iPad, Apple Pay, Apple Card, and iCloud.
Looking ahead
Wong said she plans to take time away before deciding on her next professional move, focusing first on family.
“I’m looking forward to spending some time with my endlessly supportive husband and our two awesome kids before deciding what comes next,” she said.
She also thanked OpenAI leadership and colleagues for their support, including Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, and Fidji Simo, and reflected on the communications team she helped build.
“And to my thoughtful, creative, and steadfast team - the most talented Comms crew in the industry - thank you,” Wong said. “I’ll always be cheering you on!”
For the EdTech and AI sector, Wong’s departure comes as OpenAI continues to deepen its engagement with governments, educators, and institutions navigating AI adoption, marking another transition point as the company enters its next stage of public and policy-facing work.
