Former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne is set to join artificial intelligence (AI) leader OpenAI.
Osborne will be at the helm of the “OpenAI for Countries” program, an initiative designed to assist governments in expanding their AI capabilities.
In a statement announcing his new London-based role, Osborne conveyed his enthusiasm for joining the company.
“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 shared on X.
This announcement comes amidst reports of stalled government-level discussions between the UK and the US regarding a technology agreement that encompassed enhanced AI collaboration .
Chris Lehane, OpenAI’s chief global affairs officer, stated that Osborne’s decision to join the company reflects “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.”
According to Lehane’s LinkedIn post, OpenAI for Countries aims to collaborate with governments “to ensure that global AI systems are built on democratic values”. The program has reportedly engaged with over 50 countries to date.
Lehane further noted that Osborne will be responsible for assisting governments in developing AI infrastructure, fostering AI literacy, and leveraging AI to improve public services.
“In his new role, George will help to expand existing partnerships and build new ones,” Lehane added.
Osborne, who also co-hosts a podcast and serves as chair of the British Museum, cited conversations with OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman and COO Brad Lightcap as factors influencing his decision.
He described the pair as “exceptionally impressive leaders and that they care very deeply about their mission to ensure the power of artificial intelligence is developed responsibly, and the benefits are felt by all”.
Osborne added: “That’s exactly what the OpenAI for Countries initiative intends to achieve, helping societies around the world share the opportunity this powerful technology brings.”
Osborne acknowledged that leaving his current position at investment bank Evercore was a “huge wrench”.
He also held the position of editor at the Evening Standard newspaper from 2017 to 2020.
News of Osborne’s new role was initially reported by the Financial Times.
This announcement follows Downing Street’s assertion that active discussions with the US government regarding a significant tech deal are ongoing.
The deal, unveiled in September, encompassed £31 billion in planned investments from tech giants like Nvidia and Google.
However, reports have surfaced indicating that “broader disagreements” between the US and UK have led to a standstill in negotiations.
Osborne’s appointment also coincides with a surge in AI investment – and increasing concerns about a potential AI market bubble.
Earlier this month, the Bank of England cautioned about a possible “sharp correction” in the valuation of major technology companies, noting that growth in the AI sector is projected to be fueled by trillions of dollars in debt over the next five years.
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