OpenAI Loses Data Center Chief Amid Exodus

OpenAI's head of data centers, Chris Malone, has departed after just over a year with the company. His exit follows a reorganization that removed him from reporting directly to president Greg Brockman, though OpenAI insists it has strong leadership in place to execute its data center strategy. Malone's departure is the latest in a string of over a dozen executive exits in 2026, including the company's chief revenue officer, longtime COO Brad Lightcap, and product chief Fidji Simo. The ongoing talent drain raises fresh concerns as OpenAI prepares for an IPO now reportedly pushed to 2027.