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Researcher · Executive

Brad Lightcap

Brad Lightcap portrait

COO at OpenAI

Lightcap helped scale OpenAI from a small research lab into a global technology company, building early finance, legal, people, security, go-to-market and partnership functions. After eight years at OpenAI, he announced in 2026 that he would leave to start something new.

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Background

Current role
COO 2022-present
Previously
2018-2022CFO,
2016-2018Investor,
2013-2016
About this data

Work and education history is primarily focused on AI-relevant roles and may not be comprehensive.

Last editorial review: August 11, 2026

News 1

moveBrad Lightcap says he will leave OpenAI to start something new

The longtime executive said he will remain for the next few weeks and share more about his unnamed venture later.

August 11, 2026

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