OpenAI reported to be recruiting a head of ads and monetization to build a ChatGPT ads team

Sources reported that Fidji Simo, OpenAI's CEO of Applications, was meeting candidates to lead a new team tasked with bringing ads to ChatGPT and overseeing all monetization, including subscriptions.

• The role was to report directly to Simo, who had joined OpenAI from Instacart the previous month.
• Earlier in 2025, CFO Sarah Friar had told the Financial Times OpenAI was weighing an ads model but had no active plans.