News
OpenAI comms chief Hannah Wong departs after guiding company through ChatGPT launch and regulatory firestorms
Dec 16, 2025
Key Points
- OpenAI's first Chief Communications Officer Hannah Wong departs in January 2026 after steering the company through the ChatGPT launch and major regulatory battles since joining from Apple in 2021.
- Wong's five-year tenure coincided with one of tech's most stressful communications roles, navigating relentless corporate and legal pressure.
- OpenAI has not disclosed reasons for Wong's exit or her next move as the company manages multiple strategic fronts.
Summary
Hannah Wong, OpenAI's first Chief Communications Officer, is departing the company in January 2026 after roughly five years in the role. Wong joined from Apple in 2021 and guided OpenAI through the ChatGPT launch, regulatory scrutiny, and major legal battles. Her reasons for leaving remain unclear. The role has been among the most demanding communications positions in tech over the past five years, a reality underscored by the observation that Wong once requested the title "storyteller" instead of her official one.