Denise Dresser, CEO of Slack, is set to leave her position to become Chief Revenue Officer at OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff announced her departure to Slack employees earlier this week, marking a major leadership change as Dresser moves to the rapidly evolving AI sector. Reporting to OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap, Dresser’s new role emphasizes the company’s strategic focus on expanding commercial operations and scaling revenue to accelerate AI adoption and implementation. Under Dresser’s leadership, Slack experienced significant growth and innovation; OpenAI has recognized her transformational impact in redefining communication and collaboration for millions of users, praising her visionary approach to product development and user experience. Her move comes as businesses progressively shift from experimental AI integration to practical, operational deployment, signaling AI’s maturation as a core business tool. OpenAI noted, “We’re on a path to put AI at the core of how organizations operate, enabling unprecedented efficiency and innovation. ” As Chief Revenue Officer, Dresser will oversee OpenAI’s revenue activities, forge strategic partnerships, and expand its global market presence.

Her extensive experience in leading a major tech firm is expected to provide crucial insights and boost OpenAI’s commercial success. Marc Benioff expressed strong support for Dresser, highlighting her dedication and achievements at Slack and optimism for the opportunities this transition presents for all parties. Industry analysts see this leadership shift as emblematic of broader tech trends, with AI becoming increasingly dominant and prompting experienced executives from established companies to move into AI-focused roles, reflecting the sector’s growing commercial significance. As OpenAI broadens its AI product offerings across industries, adding a seasoned leader like Dresser is poised to accelerate growth and sharpen strategic direction, underscoring OpenAI’s dual commitment to technological innovation and sustainable business models. Dresser’s progression from leading a top collaboration platform to driving revenue at a leading AI firm exemplifies the dynamic tech leadership landscape and the convergence of AI with enterprise software—one that promises to reshape business operations and innovation in coming years. In summary, her transition to OpenAI represents a landmark for both firms and the tech industry, positioning her to play a key role in advancing AI integration into global business, driving transformative change, and unlocking new value across sectors.