Fidji Simo is a French-American business leader renowned for her transformative impact on the tech industry. As of May 2025, she serves as the CEO of Applications at OpenAI, a role she assumed after a distinguished tenure as CEO and Chair of Instacart. Her career trajectory from eBay to Facebook, and later to leading Instacart showcases her exceptional ability to drive innovation and growth in the digital age.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 5, 1985, in Sète, France, Fidji Simo demonstrated an early aptitude for leadership and technology. She pursued higher education mcdonald’s chicken selects Paris, one of Europe’s premier business schools, and further honed her skills at UCLA Anderson School of Management. Her academic background laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors in the tech industry.
Source: Wikipedia
Career Milestones
eBay (2007–2011)
Fidji Simo began her professional journey at eBay, where she contributed to the company’s strategy team. Her work focused on local commerce and classified advertising, areas pivotal to eBay’s expansion during that period.
Facebook (2011–2021)
In 2011, Fidji Simo joined Facebook (now Meta), where she played a crucial role in the development and strategy of the Facebook app. She oversaw key features such as News Feed, Stories, Groups, Video, Marketplace, Gaming, News, Dating, and Ads. Her leadership was instrumental in Facebook’s mobile-first transition and advertising success.
Instacart (2021–2025)
In July 2021, Fidji Simo was appointed CEO of Instacart, succeeding founder Apoorva Mehta. Under her leadership, Instacart achieved significant milestones, including a successful IPO in September 2023. Her strategic direction solidified Instacart as a dominant player in online grocery delivery.
Source: Wikipedia
Founding Metrodora Institute
Beyond her corporate roles, Fidji Simo co-founded the Metrodora Institute, a multidisciplinary clinic and research foundation for neuroimmune disorders, including long COVID. Located in Salt Lake City, Utah, this initiative reflects her commitment to health innovation.
Source: Yahoo Finance
Transition to OpenAI
In May 2025, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that Fidji Simo would join as the new CEO of Applications. In this newly created role, she oversees OpenAI’s product teams and public-facing initiatives, bridging cutting-edge AI research with user applications.
Source: Business Insider
Recognition and Influence
Fidji Simo has been widely recognized for her influence in tech leadership. She has appeared on:
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Fortune’s Most Powerful Women
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Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business
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AdWeek’s Top 15 People Shaping Mobile Advertising
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CNBC’s Changemakers List (2024)
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Vanity Fair’s 10 Most Influential French People in the World
Fidji Simo at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Full Name | Fidji Simo |
| Date of Birth | October 5, 1985 |
| Nationality | French-American |
| Education |
HEC Paris; UCLA Anderson School of Management
|
| Current Role |
CEO of Applications, OpenAI
|
| Previous Roles |
CEO and Chair, Instacart; VP, Facebook App; Strategy Team, eBay
|
| Notable Ventures |
Metrodora Institute; Women in Product
|
| Board Positions |
OpenAI; Shopify; formerly Cirque du Soleil
|
| Awards |
Fortune’s Most Powerful Women; Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business
|
Learn More
Fidji Simo continues to redefine leadership in the tech world with a rare combination of vision, operational excellence, and purpose-driven innovation. Her journey is not only inspiring but a blueprint for modern executive leadership.
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