OpenAI Sales Leader James Dyett Departs for Thrive Capital Role
James Dyett, OpenAI's head of sales, is leaving the company to join venture capital firm Thrive Capital as an Operator in Residence, he announced Monday.
Dyett joined OpenAI in 2023 as the company experienced rapid expansion following ChatGPT's launch. During his tenure, he led both the company's enterprise sales and API sales operations. OpenAI is now valued at more than $850 billion by private investors.
"The timing feels right," Dyett wrote on X. "I'm drawn back to the early stages of company building, and OpenAI is in a strong place."
A Series of Leadership Changes
Dyett's departure marks the latest in a string of executive departures at OpenAI. Last month, product and business chief Fidji Simo announced medical leave due to a worsening neuroimmune condition. Marketing chief Kate Rouch stepped down to focus on cancer recovery.
Operating chief Brad Lightcap shifted to a new role focused on "special projects." Bill Peebles, who led the company's defunct short-form video app Sora, and Kevin Weil, vice president for Science, also departed their positions in recent weeks.
Next Move: Thrive Capital
Thrive Capital is one of OpenAI's long-term backers, and its founder Joshua Kushner maintains a close relationship with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Dyett previously worked at Stripe, another Thrive-backed company.
"I've been fortunate to work at Thrive-backed companies over the past decade-first Stripe, then OpenAI-and have experienced firsthand their commitment to their companies," Dyett said. "I'm excited to pay that forward to founders across the portfolio and stay close to building."
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