2025-12-17 13:16:37
Former UK chancellor George Osborne is joining artificial intelligence heavyweight OpenAI.
He is taking on a senior London-based role leading its OpenAI for Countries programme.
The initiative is designed to help governments build national AI capacity, from developing infrastructure and improving AI literacy to deploying the technology across public services.
OpenAI says the programme has already engaged with more than 50 countries as it positions AI as a form of “critical infrastructure” with long-term economic and geopolitical implications.
Announcing the move, Mr. Osborne, 54, said it was a “privilege” to join the company after conversations with chief executive Sam Altman and chief operating officer Brad Lightcap.
Mr. Osbourne wrote on X: “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.”
Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, said Osborne’s appointment reflected a shared belief that early decisions about how AI is governed and deployed will shape societies for decades.
He added that Mr. Osborne would help expand existing partnerships with governments while building new ones, with a focus on embedding democratic values into global AI systems.
Mr. Osborne’s arrival comes at a sensitive moment for UK-US tech relations, following reports that negotiations over a major bilateral tech deal – including greater AI co-operation – have stalled. Downing Street has insisted talks remain ongoing.
The move also follows a surge in global AI investment, alongside growing concerns of a potential market bubble.
Earlier this month, the Bank of England warned of a possible “sharp correction” in tech valuations as AI growth is increasingly fuelled by debt.
Mr. Osborne is stepping down from his role at investment bank Evercore. He previously served as editor of the Evening Standard and is currently chair of the British Museum.
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