OpenAI Marketing Head Takes Leave for Breast Cancer Treatment

OpenAI Marketing Head Announces Medical Leave

Kate Rouch, the head of marketing at OpenAI, has revealed she will be taking a three-month leave of absence to focus on treatment for invasive breast cancer.

The announcement was made via a LinkedIn post by Rouch herself. During her absence, Gary Briggs, previously the Chief Marketing Officer at Meta, will assume the role of interim head of marketing.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Rouch disclosed that she received her diagnosis shortly after beginning her position at OpenAI earlier this year. She has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment at UCSF for the past five months while continuing to lead the marketing team.

She described this period as a profoundly challenging time, impacting not only herself but also her husband and their two children.

Positive Prognosis and Awareness

Despite the difficulties, Rouch expressed a positive outlook, stating her prognosis is “excellent” and a full recovery is anticipated.

She highlighted the prevalence of invasive breast cancer, noting that it affects 1 in 8 American women and results in 42,000 deaths annually. Rouch also pointed to a concerning trend of rising rates among younger women.

“I’m sharing my story […] to get their attention and encourage them to prioritize their health over the demands of families and jobs,” Rouch wrote. She emphasized that a routine exam was instrumental in her early detection and potentially saved her life.

Professional Background

Rouch joined OpenAI in December, bringing with her a wealth of experience. She and Briggs have a prior working relationship from their time together at Meta.

Prior to OpenAI, Rouch served as the CMO of Coinbase. Her career also includes leadership roles in brand and product marketing for prominent platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook.

Her experience will be valuable upon her return, and the company wishes her a swift and complete recovery.