OpenAI is hiring a former UK finance minister for a top policy job. George Osborne, who was chancellor under David Cameron, will lead the new OpenAI for Countries initiative starting in January. His role is based in London and focuses on getting governments worldwide to adopt their AI strategies.
This is basically the international wing of their big Stargate data center project. The goal is to sell governments on building AI infrastructure that follows what OpenAI calls democratic values. It also includes promises to boost local tech skills and education. Osborne says he talked to bosses like Sam Altman and feels good about the company's responsible AI promises.
The move highlights a fierce lobbying battle among AI giants. Rival Anthropic already brought on another former UK leader, Rishi Sunak, as an advisor last fall. Osborne has kept busy since leaving politics with media gigs, a museum chairmanship, and advisory roles at places like Coinbase. He'll leave his post at an investment bank to take this new position.
OpenAI, valued in the hundreds of billions, is clearly pushing to become a key policy shaper globally, not just a tech vendor. They want to embed their vision directly into national AI plans as regulation heats up everywhere.
This is basically the international wing of their big Stargate data center project. The goal is to sell governments on building AI infrastructure that follows what OpenAI calls democratic values. It also includes promises to boost local tech skills and education. Osborne says he talked to bosses like Sam Altman and feels good about the company's responsible AI promises.
The move highlights a fierce lobbying battle among AI giants. Rival Anthropic already brought on another former UK leader, Rishi Sunak, as an advisor last fall. Osborne has kept busy since leaving politics with media gigs, a museum chairmanship, and advisory roles at places like Coinbase. He'll leave his post at an investment bank to take this new position.
OpenAI, valued in the hundreds of billions, is clearly pushing to become a key policy shaper globally, not just a tech vendor. They want to embed their vision directly into national AI plans as regulation heats up everywhere.
