OpenAI Adds Another Big Name As Uber Loses Longtime Executive

OpenAI has named Jill Hazelbaker as its chief corporate affairs officer, putting her in charge of the organization’s worldwide communications strategy.

Hazelbaker will partner with teams across OpenAI to expand public understanding of AI and reinforce trust, the company stated in a blog post announcing the hire. 

"As AI becomes part of more people’s lives, how we communicate, engage, and earn public trust has never been more important. Jill brings exceptional judgment, seasoned leadership, and a deep understanding of the opportunities and responsibilities that come with building technology at global scale. She’s exactly the kind of leader we need for this next chapter, and I’m thrilled to welcome her to OpenAI," Greg Brockman, co-founder and president of OpenAI said.

Hazelbaker brings close to 20 years of experience advising both technology firms and political leaders through high-growth periods and high-stakes challenges.

Before joining OpenAI, Hazelbaker worked at Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER), where she served as president and chief corporate affairs officer for nearly 12 years. She led efforts tied to Uber’s reputation, regulatory issues, and building infrastructure to support the company’s international expansion. 

Before Uber, Hazelbaker ran communications and public policy at Snap and held senior positions at Google, including roles spanning global corporate communications, EMEA communications, and European government relations.

Hazelbaker’s earlier career included senior communications roles in U.S. politics, including work on local, state, and national campaigns. She served as national communications director and chief spokesperson for John McCain’s 2008 presidential bid and as press secretary to Michael Bloomberg during his time as New York City mayor.

"AI represents the most profound technological shift of our lifetime," Hazelbaker said. "The stakes are enormous, the possibilities are extraordinary, and the work of building public trust has never been more consequential. I could not be more excited to work alongside Sam, Greg, and the outstanding team they’ve assembled to help OpenAI meet the moment."

Uber Executive Departures

Hazelbaker’s departure comes amid several senior executive departures in recent months, as the company navigates organizational changes and growing competition from autonomous vehicle technology.

In June, Susan Anderson, Uber’s head of delivery business, departed the company after nearly a decade, and Lando Juarez, Uber’s head of legal, also left in June to join Bedrock Robotics, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Guy Peterson, head of business development for autonomous partnerships, left to join Rivian Automotive’s bike spinoff, while Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous mobility and delivery, is leaving the company in mid-November following 12 years at the company.

Uber has undertaken several rounds of layoffs as it works to streamline its operations and redirect resources toward its ride-hailing, delivery and autonomous vehicle businesses. The company cut roughly 3,300 positions, or 10% of its global workforce in September, following earlier reductions in its customer service and human resources teams.

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