George Osborne Joins OpenAI to Lead International AI Expansion Efforts
George Osborne has joined OpenAI as head of OpenAI for Countries, a London-based role focused on helping governments increase AI capacity, infrastructure, AI literacy, and use of AI to improve public services.
OpenAI for Countries has engaged with more than 50 countries, aiming to expand existing partnerships and build new ones to promote AI adoption and governance.
Osborne, who is leaving Evercore, has a diverse background including serving as editor of the Evening Standard from 2017 to 2020, co-hosting a podcast, and chairing the British Museum.
His appointment comes amid stalled UK–US tech deal negotiations, although Downing Street says conversations remain active. The September deal involved about £31 billion in planned spending from Nvidia and Google.
Chris Lehane of OpenAI emphasized that AI is critical infrastructure and that the initiative strives to ensure global AI systems are built on democratic values.
The Financial Times first reported Osborne’s appointment, noting his discussions with OpenAI's Sam Altman and Brad Lightcap and his praise for their leadership.
Meanwhile, the Bank of England has warned of a potential AI bubble and a sharp market correction, projecting that AI growth will likely be fueled by debt over the next five years.
