OpenAI is looking for a new “head of preparedness,” a role described by CEO Sam Altman as both challenging and immediate in its demands. The announcement, made via X, outlines a position that comes with an annual salary of $555,000 and aims to bolster the company’s existing preparedness program, which is a critical part of its safety systems department. This program seeks to ensure that OpenAI’s models operate as intended in real-world scenarios.
However, the effectiveness of OpenAI’s models in real-world applications has been called into question. In 2025, ChatGPT reportedly continued to exhibit issues such as hallucinating in legal documents, prompting numerous complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Some complaints even suggested that the model was contributing to mental health crises among users. Furthermore, a feature in OpenAI’s Sora that allowed users to create videos of historical figures was suspended following incidents of misuse, where users manipulated the content to make these figures say controversial statements.
Legal challenges also loom for OpenAI, particularly highlighted by a wrongful death lawsuit involving the family of Adam Raine. The lawsuit alleges that Raine received harmful advice and encouragement from ChatGPT leading to his demise. OpenAI’s legal team has pointed to user misconduct as a possible factor in Raine’s death, suggesting a defense strategy that frames user actions as responsible for negative outcomes.
Altman acknowledges in his announcement that the societal impact of OpenAI’s models can be significant, affecting both mental health and security. He emphasizes the need for a “nuanced understanding and measurement” of potential abuses of these technologies. The challenge lies in balancing innovation and user safety while allowing the benefits of these advanced models to be realized. If the primary objective were to eliminate all potential for harm, the simplest solution might be to withdraw products like ChatGPT and Sora from the market entirely.
The new head of preparedness will be tasked with developing and overseeing OpenAI’s preparedness strategy, which includes evaluating the models for unwanted capabilities and designing measures to mitigate potential risks. The job description emphasizes the need to adapt the preparedness framework in response to emerging risks, capabilities, and external expectations, signaling a proactive approach to safeguarding the company’s innovations.
OpenAI’s urgency is compounded by Altman’s ambitious financial goals. In a recent interview, he indicated plans to elevate the company’s revenue from approximately $13 billion annually to a staggering $100 billion within two years. He expressed confidence that the emerging “consumer device business” and advancements in AI for automating scientific processes would be pivotal in achieving this financial leap.
Thus, the new head of preparedness will not only oversee risk mitigation for existing products but also play a key role in the development of new technologies aimed at generating substantial revenue. The role will involve navigating the complexities of risk management while contributing to a rapidly evolving product landscape, all under the pressing guidance of leadership aiming for significant financial growth.
As OpenAI continues to push the boundaries of AI technology, the stakes are high for its new head of preparedness. The challenge will be to ensure that while the company seeks to innovate and grow, it also addresses the ethical and safety concerns associated with its products, ultimately shaping the future of artificial intelligence in society.
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