OpenAI has appointed former UK Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne as Managing Director and head of its “OpenAI for Countries” initiative, positioning him to steer the global expansion of the company’s ambitious Stargate project beginning in January 2026.

The move was announced in mid-December 2025 and reflects OpenAI’s strategy to deepen collaboration with national governments and support the deployment of artificial intelligence infrastructure in democratic nations worldwide. Osborne’s role will be based in London, where he will lead efforts to work with governments on sovereign AI infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and educational partnerships as part of the $500 billion Stargate initiative.

The Stargate project, launched earlier in 2025, is an expansive AI infrastructure plan originally devised to build advanced data centers and computing capacity primarily in the United States before extending internationally under the “OpenAI for Countries” framework. The initiative aims to support sovereign AI capabilities, tailored local services, and partnerships that align with democratic principles and public service use cases.

Osborne, who served as the UK’s chief financial minister from 2010 to 2016, brings substantial experience in government and global affairs to the technology sector. In announcing his new role, Osborne described OpenAI as a highly promising company and emphasized the importance of helping societies worldwide benefit from advanced AI technologies.

His appointment highlights a broader trend of major AI and tech companies recruiting seasoned political figures to navigate government partnerships, public policy, and international strategy — a trend also seen at rival firms. As head of OpenAI for Countries, Osborne is expected to shape OpenAI’s engagement with governments, drive infrastructure projects overseas, and represent the company at high-profile global forums such as the World Economic Forum.