OpenAI taps Uber's Jill Hazelbaker to lead global communications

OpenAI has appointed former Uber executive Jill Hazelbaker (pictured) as its chief corporate affairs officer, tasking her with leading the artificial intelligence company's global communications and corporate positioning.

Hazelbaker joins OpenAI after serving as president and chief corporate affairs officer at Uber, where she oversaw global communications, marketing, public policy, safety and people teams. She spent a decade at the ride-hailing company, joining in 2015 and playing a central role in shaping its corporate reputation and navigating regulatory and reputational challenges as it expanded globally.

In her new role, Hazelbaker will work closely with OpenAI's leadership team to deepen public understanding of AI and strengthen trust in the company's mission.

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"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," said OpenAI co-founder and president Greg Brockman.

Hazelbaker said she was looking forward to joining the company as AI continues to reshape the technology landscape.

"AI represents the most profound technological shift of our lifetime. 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," she said.

Before Uber, Hazelbaker led communications and public policy at Snap. She also held senior leadership positions at Google, overseeing global corporate communications, communications across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and government relations in Europe.

Her earlier career was in US politics, including serving as national communications director and chief spokesperson for senator John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign. She also served as press secretary to former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The appointment comes as OpenAI continues to build its leadership capabilities around the public-facing responsibilities of developing and deploying AI technologies at global scale.

In APAC, OpenAI has recently appointed former Meta executive Sandhya Devanathan as vice president for Australia and Southeast Asia, overseeing consumer growth, enterprise adoption, partnerships, regulatory engagement and operations. She most recently served as Meta's vice president for India and Southeast Asia.

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