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OpenAI Reorganizes Safety and Research Teams Amid Model Release

WireByte Staff · July 11, 2026

OpenAI's head of safety systems, Johannes Heidecke, is reportedly leaving the company as part of a restructuring effort. Saachi Jain will take over as interim head, while Mia Glaese becomes vice president of research and safety. The changes follow OpenAI's latest model release, GPT-5.6, and a US government approval. The reorganization aims to integrate safety work with model development.

Key points

  • OpenAI's head of safety systems, Johannes Heidecke, is leaving the company as part of a reorganization.
  • Saachi Jain will take over as interim head of safety systems.
  • Mia Glaese becomes vice president of research and safety, overseeing both teams.
  • The changes follow OpenAI's latest model release, GPT-5.6, and a US government approval.
  • The reorganization aims to integrate safety work with model development, as stated by OpenAI's chief research officer, Mark Chen.

OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research company, has announced a significant reorganization of its safety and research teams. The move comes as the company has released its latest model, GPT-5.6, which has been approved by the US government. According to reports, Johannes Heidecke, the head of safety systems, is leaving the company as part of the restructuring effort.

The interim head of safety systems will be Saachi Jain, who has previously led OpenAI's safety teams. Mia Glaese, a new vice president of research and safety, will oversee both the research and safety teams. This reorganization aims to integrate safety work with model development, as stated by OpenAI's chief research officer, Mark Chen.

The changes are part of a broader effort to ensure the safe development and deployment of AI models. OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has emphasized the importance of preparedness and mitigation of severe risks. The company has hired a Head of Preparedness to address these concerns.

The reorganization is significant, as it reflects OpenAI's commitment to prioritizing safety in its AI research and development. As the company continues to push the boundaries of AI, it is essential to ensure that its models are developed and deployed responsibly.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.