Former chancellor George Osborne joins OpenAI
"I recently asked myself the question: what's the most exciting and promising company in the world right now? The answer I believe is OpenAI," he said on X.
Announcing his new London-based role, Osborne said it was a privilege to be joining the company.
He will lead its "OpenAI for Countries" programme, which is aimed at helping governments increase their AI capacity.
The announcement follows news that government-level negotiations between the UK and the US over a tech deal that included greater co-operation in AI have faltered.
OpenAI's chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane said Osborne's decision to join the company reflected "a shared belief that AI is becoming critical infrastructure – and early decisions about how it's built, governed, and deployed will shape economics and geopolitics for years to come."
OpenAI for Countries is designed to work with governments "to ensure that global AI systems are built on democratic values", Mr Lehane wrote on LinkedIn. So far the programme has engaged with more than 50 countries.
He said Osborne will work with governments to help develop AI infrastructure, build AI literacy and use AI to improve public services.
"In his new role, George will help to expand existing partnerships and build new ones," Mr Lehane added.
Osborne, who co-hosts a podcast and is also chair of the British Museum, said he joined the firm after conversations with OpenAI's chief executive Sam Altman and chief operating officer Brad Lightcap.
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