At OpenAI, a 9-month search raises questions about the CCO’s place at the table 

For nine months, one of the world’s most closely watched companies has operated without a chief communications officer.

OpenAI’s former CCO Hannah Wong stepped down in January after nearly five years at the company. Her replacement has yet to be named, even as the company has spent much of 2026 dealing with controversy around AI safety, security and regulation, a court fight with Elon Musk, and questions about its work with the Pentagon. A possible IPO is also on the horizon.

Meanwhile, the public is growing more uneasy about AI. An August Pew survey found that just 8% of Americans are more excited than concerned about the technology, down from 18% in 2021.

Finding the person who will help OpenAI navigate all of this has proven surprisingly difficult.

Fortune senior AI reporter Emily Forlini reports that OpenAI’s top choice, Uber’s Jill Hazelbaker, turned down the job this spring. After its internal recruiters struggled to fill the position, OpenAI brought in executive search firm Daversa Partners this summer. The company told Fortune it is focused on finding the right person and does not want to rush the hire.

Part of the challenge may be the job itself.

OpenAI is still........

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