OpenAI Welcomes Chris Lehane as New Head of Global Policy (Image: X @openai)

Microsoft-backed Open AI has welcomed political veteran Chris Lehane as its vice president of global policy, as reported by the New York Times on Friday. Lehane was a former chief for Airbnb and later joined as a member of the executive team at the ChatGPT maker Open AI. He also served as a lawyer and spokesperson in the Clinton White House.

This new appointment has been marked following the plan between the tech giant Apple and chip maker Nvidia to invest in Sam Altman’s  OpenAI as a part of the fundraising that may value the company above $100 billion. OpenAI is said to be structuring its corporate framework to attract investors as reported by the Financial Times.

Over the past nine months, OpenAI has undergone a major expansion, The company bolstered its board and recruited seasoned Silicon Valley leaders. The newly appointed Lehane, who also held a role at Haun Ventures (a venture capital firm) had been advising OpenAI since last year amid changes. He played a crucial supporting role for CEO Altman during his successful bid to reclaim his position in November 2023. This year, OpenAI formally appointed Lehane as its vice president of public works, solidifying his position within the company to execute further plans and now shifted to global policy designation.

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When he was in his previous role as a public work vice president, Lehane collaborated with Anna Makanju, OpenAI’s vice president of global affairs, who has been with the company for three years. Makanju played a key role in organising a global tour for CEO Altman last year facilitating meetings with numerous heads of state. She has now transitioned to a new role as vice president of global impact and the designation focuses on equitable access to OpenAI ‘s technologies worldwide.

As per the reports, In his new position, Lehane will continue to work closely with Makanju on policy matters and serve as a primary point of contact for government and partner organisations. Lehane is also a co-author of ‘Masters of Disaster: The Ten Commandments of Damage Control’ and a writer/producer of the political satire film ‘Knife Fight.’

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