In a significant career shift, former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has announced he is joining the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution. He will take up a senior executive position at OpenAI, the company behind the revolutionary ChatGPT.
From Treasury to Tech: Osborne's New AI Mission
George Osborne confirmed on Tuesday 16 December 2025 that he is departing his role as a senior managing director at the investment bank Evercore. His new position will be Managing Director and Head of OpenAI for Countries, and he will be based in the company's London office.
In a statement, the ex-chancellor, who served from 2010 to 2016, lavished praise on his new employer. He described OpenAI as the "most exciting and promising company in the world right now." His core mandate will be to lead the organisation's engagement with governments across the globe.
A Multifaceted Portfolio Beyond Westminster
Since leaving Parliament in 2017, Osborne has cultivated a diverse portfolio of roles. His career post-politics includes:
- Former editor of the Evening Standard.
- Positions at financial giants BlackRock and Robey Warshaw.
- Co-host of the Political Currency podcast.
- Chairman of the British Museum.
- Co-president of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership.
- Adviser to the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase.
The move to OpenAI represents another major pivot, taking him directly into the heart of the tech and AI policy arena.
Shaping the Global Conversation on AI
Osborne outlined the purpose of the OpenAI for Countries initiative he will lead. He stated it is designed to assist "societies around the world share the opportunity this powerful technology brings." This suggests a focus on international cooperation, regulatory frameworks, and ensuring broad access to the benefits of artificial intelligence.
His extensive network within political and financial circles, both in the UK and internationally, will be a key asset for OpenAI as it navigates increasingly complex debates around AI safety, regulation, and implementation. The appointment signals the growing importance of high-level diplomatic and governmental relations for leading tech firms.
