OpenAI hires Uber President Jill Hazelbaker to lead communications, filling a critical role that was curiously vacant for 10 months

OpenAI has hired Uber President Jill Hazelbaker to oversee its global communications, ending a period of nearly a year without a permanent leader in the role.

The appointment comes as the artificial intelligence company faces a challenging political environment and moves closer to an initial public offering. Communications will therefore be a key function as OpenAI manages its public profile during a significant period for the business.

A long-vacant leadership role

Hazelbaker joins OpenAI from Uber, where she is one of the company’s highest-ranking executives. Her selection places an experienced corporate leader in charge of communicating for an organization whose profile has grown sharply alongside interest in artificial intelligence.

The position had remained vacant for almost a year, making the appointment a notable leadership decision for OpenAI. The company did not previously have a permanent executive in the role during that period.

Timing ahead of a potential IPO

OpenAI’s move comes while it navigates political challenges and advances toward an initial public offering. The combination of those pressures makes the communications function especially important as the company addresses external audiences and prepares for its next phase.

Hazelbaker’s appointment fills a critical gap in OpenAI’s leadership structure, although the available information does not specify further details about her responsibilities or the company’s IPO timetable.