George Osborne Joins OpenAI as Managing Director, Head of OpenAI for Countries
Former UK Chancellor to lead global government-focused AI initiative from London
On The Move
Former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has announced that he is joining OpenAI as Managing Director and Head of OpenAI for Countries, a newly created leadership role based in London. In this position, Osborne will lead the OpenAI for Countries initiative, which focuses on working with governments worldwide to shape the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence.
Sharing the news on X (formerly Twitter), Osborne called it a privilege to join OpenAI and support its mission of expanding access to the opportunities created by advanced AI technologies. He said the initiative aims to help societies across the world benefit from the transformative potential of AI.
Hi, some personal news - I’m changing job. 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. So it’s a privilege to be going to work for OpenAI as managing director and head of OpenAI for…
— George Osborne (@George_Osborne) December 16, 2025
Welcoming Osborne to the company, Chris Lehane, Chief Global Affairs Officer at OpenAI, said his decision to join reflects a shared understanding that AI is fast becoming critical infrastructure. Lehane noted that early choices around how AI is built, governed, and deployed will have long-term implications for global economics and geopolitics.
Lehane added that with Osborne leading the OpenAI for Countries initiative, the organisation can drive “win-win-win” outcomes strengthening democratic AI values, enabling governments and private sector partners to deliver meaningful public impact, and helping nations maximise the benefits of the AI era.
Launched in May, OpenAI for Countries is designed to collaborate closely with governments to ensure global AI systems are aligned with democratic principles and contribute to shared prosperity and freedom. According to OpenAI, the initiative has already engaged with more than 50 countries as part of its global outreach.
