OpenAI seeks new safety chief as AI risks grow and scrutiny intensifies

Amid rising scrutiny over AI safety, OpenAI is recruiting a senior preparedness leader to strengthen safeguards against emerging risks, as the company confronts growing concerns around mental health impacts, cybersecurity threats, and responsible deployment of advanced models.

OpenAI has opened hiring for a senior safety leadership role as it looks to strengthen its approach to managing the expanding risks associated with advanced artificial intelligence. The company is seeking a “Head of Preparedness” to oversee efforts aimed at reducing potential harms, including cybersecurity threats, misuse of powerful models, and risks to user mental wellbeing.

The position, announced by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, carries an annual salary of $555,000 along with equity, underscoring the importance the company places on safety as its AI systems become more capable and widely deployed. Altman cautioned that the role would be demanding, with immediate responsibility in a fast-evolving risk landscape.

Rising corporate and regulatory concerns

The recruitment comes at a time when businesses and regulators are increasingly focused on AI-related risks. A recent analysis of regulatory filings showed a sharp rise in companies flagging artificial intelligence as a potential source of reputational damage, citing issues such as biased datasets, security vulnerabilities, and unintended consequences of automated decision-making.

Altman has acknowledged that while AI models are advancing rapidly and delivering significant benefits, they are also introducing new challenges that require more sophisticated oversight. The new hire will be expected to develop frameworks that balance innovation with safeguards, particularly in areas like cybersecurity defense and responsible release of sensitive capabilities.

Safety measures under the spotlight

OpenAI’s renewed emphasis on preparedness follows internal leadership changes, with the previous head of preparedness moving into a broader role focused on AI reasoning. The company has also faced growing scrutiny over how its products interact with users, especially in sensitive mental health contexts.

In response, OpenAI has rolled out updated safety features, expanded crisis-support responses, and established advisory groups to guide product behavior. It has also funded external research examining the intersection of AI and mental health and strengthened internal monitoring systems to reduce the risk of misuse.

Looking ahead, OpenAI has acknowledged that future models could pose higher cybersecurity risks, prompting additional safeguards. The company says the new preparedness leader will play a critical role in shaping how AI capabilities are measured, released, and governed—ensuring emerging technologies deliver broad benefits while limiting potential harm.