OpenAI Hires Former Uber Executive Jill Hazelbaker for Top Communications Role

OpenAI announced Tuesday that it has hired former Uber executive Jill Hazelbaker as its chief corporate affairs officer. Hazelbaker will lead the artificial intelligence research lab's global communications and public policy efforts starting in early December, reporting directly to OpenAI co-founder and president Greg Brockman.

The executive appointment fills a key position that had been vacant for nearly ten months following the departure of former chief communications officer Hannah Wong. OpenAI executive Chris Lehane had been managing the communications team on an interim basis while the company conducted an executive search for a permanent hire.

Hazelbaker joins OpenAI after an 11-year tenure at ride-hailing company Uber, where she served as president and chief corporate affairs officer. She previously held senior communications leadership roles at Snap and Google. OpenAI initially approached Hazelbaker for the position earlier this year before finalizing the agreement.

In her new role, Hazelbaker will focus on deepening public understanding of artificial intelligence technologies and building trust in the company's mission. Brockman noted that clear public engagement and trust have become essential as artificial intelligence systems become increasingly integrated into daily lives and enterprise operations.

The leadership transition comes as artificial intelligence companies face growing political scrutiny, regulatory debates, and public debate over technology deployment, labor impacts, and infrastructure development. Hazelbaker will remain based on the East Coast while spending time at OpenAI's headquarters in San Francisco.