MAM
OpenAI communications chief Hannah Wong to step down
SAN FRANCISCO: Hannah Wong, chief communications officer at OpenAI, is stepping away after nearly five years at the company, closing a defining chapter in the tech world’s most closely watched communications operation.
Wong announced her decision as OpenAI heads into 2026, following ChatGPT’s third anniversary and with what she described as a strong roadmap ahead. Lindsey Held Bolton will lead the communications team on an interim basis, while Kate Rouch oversees the search for a permanent successor.
During her tenure, Wong helped shape OpenAI’s global voice through a period of explosive growth, introducing ChatGPT and other flagship products to the world while navigating intense scrutiny around artificial intelligence, safety and trust.
She also led communications through OpenAI’s rapid transition from research lab to consumer-facing technology powerhouse.
“These years have been intense and deeply formative,” Wong said, reflecting on her role in telling OpenAI’s story and spotlighting the people behind its push towards artificial general intelligence.
Before joining OpenAI in 2021, Wong spent more than seven years at Apple, where she handled public relations for marquee products including the iPad, Apple Pay, Apple Card and iCloud. Earlier roles at Edelman and Gap Inc built a career rooted in high-stakes brand storytelling across technology, finance and consumer culture.
Wong said she plans to take time off with her family before deciding on her next move, thanking Sam Altman, Greg Brockman and Fidji Simo for what she called one of the most meaningful chapters of her career.
Her exit marks the end of an era for OpenAI’s communications team—one that helped turn a research project into a household name, and made the global conversation around AI impossible to ignore.
MAM
Edelman elevates Siddharth Panicker to head of Mumbai office
Financial services veteran steps up after nearly 15 years at the firm
MUMBAI: Edelman has elevated Siddharth Panicker to head of its Mumbai office, promoting a long-serving leader who has spent nearly 15 years building the firm’s financial services franchise in India.
Panicker has held a series of senior roles at Edelman, including associate vice president, head – financial services, and VP & head – financial services. In these positions, he led the development of the firm’s financial services practice, advising C-suite clients across investment banking, private equity, NBFCs, fintech, disputes, litigation and life insurance.
The promotion reflects his track record in corporate and financial communications, strategic counsel and leadership, as Mumbai remains a central hub for India’s financial and professional services sectors.
Earlier in his career, Panicker gained industry exposure through internships at Nalco Water, part of Ecolab, and MSL India.
His elevation underlines Edelman’s focus on leadership continuity and deep sector expertise as clients navigate increasingly complex regulatory, reputational and market environments.
