OpenAI hires George Osborne to spearhead global AI expansion

OpenAI, the developer behind ChatGPT, has appointed former Chancellor George Osborne to direct its international growth strategy. Osborne’s new role places him at the helm of the company’s bid to strengthen American-led artificial intelligence infrastructure across the globe, positioning OpenAI in direct competition with China for technological dominance. He confirmed his appointment via X, expressing enthusiasm for joining what he described as the world’s most exciting and promising company.

The company’s global expansion initiative involves the construction of significant new data centres, a move OpenAI argues will promote democratic values worldwide. Osborne stated that his objective would be ensuring societies everywhere benefit from the opportunities of advanced AI. The United Arab Emirates has been named as the first beneficiary of this scheme, a notable choice given the country’s tight restrictions on free expression.

Osborne joins OpenAI following his departure from Robey Warshaw, the investment bank recently acquired by Evercore. During his tenure there, he was involved in high-profile deals, including the attempted acquisition of The Telegraph by Redbird IMI. His appointment at OpenAI follows his near-miss for the chairmanship of HSBC, a position he did not secure after a last-minute decision by the bank’s board.

Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI, has unveiled a plan to invest over $1.4 trillion in AI infrastructure, developing new centres worldwide under the Stargate project. This expansive programme is projected to require hundreds of billions of dollars over the coming years, raising both expectations of an AI investment bubble and concerns over complex financial transactions between AI firms and their client businesses.

The company has recently signed agreements with British government departments and announced intentions to build Stargate data centres in the UK, reflecting a move to deepen ties within Labour circles. OpenAI is also navigating contentious issues such as copyright reform, attracting resistance from creators even while pursuing policies that could favour the technology sector.

Osborne is the latest in a series of prominent British politicians to join leading technology firms. Rishi Sunak, another former chancellor, took an advisory role at Anthropic, a key competitor to OpenAI, earlier in the year. Sir Nick Clegg, who held the post of deputy prime minister under David Cameron, recently stepped down from his post as head of global affairs at Meta. Osborne’s portfolio also includes advisory roles at Coinbase, a founding partnership at venture firm 9Yards, chairmanship of Exor and the British Museum, and a visiting lectureship at Stanford. He is expected to begin his responsibilities at OpenAI in January.