Srinivas Narayanan Steps Down from OpenAI
OpenAI CTO for B2B applications, Srinivas Narayanan, has announced his resignation, marking the end of a three-year tenure at the company.
Narayanan will step down by the end of next week, citing personal reasons and a desire to spend time with his aging parents in India.
Decision Comes After Major Product Milestones
Narayanan described his time at OpenAI as a period of rapid growth and innovation.
He noted that the decision to step down follows a phase of significant product launches, stating that it felt like the right moment to take a break after intense execution.
During his tenure, he played a key role in scaling some of OpenAI’s most widely used products.
Leadership Role and Contributions
Narayanan joined OpenAI in April 2023 as Vice President of Engineering and was later promoted to CTO for B2B applications in September 2025.
He led teams responsible for:
- Development of ChatGPT
- Expansion of the company’s API platform
- Building enterprise-focused AI solutions
These products were developed during a period of rapid technological advancement, often without established frameworks or playbooks.
Professional Background
Before joining OpenAI, Narayanan spent over a decade at Meta, where he served as Vice President of Engineering.
His earlier career includes roles at:
- IBM
- Tavant Technologies
He also co-founded Viralizr, adding entrepreneurial experience to his profile.
Personal Priorities and Future Plans
Narayanan stated that he intends to take time off to be with his family in India before deciding his next professional move.
His decision reflects a broader trend among senior executives prioritizing personal commitments after high-intensity roles in fast-growing technology companies.
Ongoing Leadership Changes at OpenAI
His departure comes amid a series of leadership transitions at OpenAI.
Recent exits include:
- Bill Peebles
- Kevin Weil
These changes come as the company continues to scale globally and expand its product offerings.
OpenAI’s Growing Focus on India
Narayanan’s decision to return to India coincides with OpenAI’s increasing focus on the region.
India has emerged as one of the company’s fastest-growing markets, with over 100 million weekly active ChatGPT users.
OpenAI has announced plans to:
- Open offices in Mumbai and Bengaluru
- Expand its “OpenAI for India” initiative
- Build partnerships with organizations such as Tata Group and JioHotstar
Additionally, Kiran Mani was recently appointed to lead Asia-Pacific operations.
Final Thoughts
Srinivas Narayanan’s resignation marks the departure of a key leader during a transformative period for OpenAI.
While his exit reflects personal priorities, it also comes at a time when the company is expanding its global footprint and strengthening its presence in markets like India.
As OpenAI continues to evolve, leadership transitions will play a crucial role in shaping its next phase of growth and innovation.
