OpenAI Hires Aaron Chatterji as Chief Economist to Lead AI Research

OpenAI has brought in Aaron Chatterji, a former White House official, as its first-ever chief economist. Chatterji will lead the company’s research into the economic impact of artificial intelligence, OpenAI announced on Tuesday.

Chatterji, a professor of business and public policy at Duke University, has a distinguished background in government and economics. He previously served as the White House CHIPS coordinator, overseeing the rollout of $52.7 billion in U.S. subsidies for semiconductor production and research. Before that, Chatterji held the position of chief economist at the Department of Commerce under President Joe Biden, and was also a senior economist on President Barack Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers.

Key Role at OpenAI

In his new role at OpenAI, Chatterji will focus on researching AI’s influence on economic growth, job creation, and longer-term labor market trends. His research will explore the global effects of building AI infrastructure and its broader economic implications. Given his experience with the 2022 CHIPS Act — which allocated $280 billion for semiconductor development — Chatterji’s insight could prove valuable as OpenAI explores in-house AI chip design.

New Leadership at OpenAI

Chatterji’s appointment comes amid a series of leadership changes at OpenAI. Alongside him, Scott Schools, a former Uber executive and associate deputy attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice, has been named the company’s new chief compliance officer. Schools will work closely with OpenAI’s board and teams to ensure the company adheres to legal and ethical standards.

These high-profile hires reflect OpenAI’s efforts to solidify its leadership team as it navigates the rapid expansion of AI technology and its implications across various sectors.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for OpenAI and the Economy

With the hiring of Aaron Chatterji as chief economist, OpenAI signals its commitment to deeply understanding AI’s economic impacts. His expertise in public policy and economic strategy, particularly his work with the CHIPS Act, positions him to lead critical research on how AI will affect job markets, economic growth, and global industries. This knowledge will be invaluable as governments and companies grapple with AI’s transformative potential.

Additionally, the appointment of Scott Schools as chief compliance officer underscores OpenAI's focus on legal and ethical challenges. Together, these leadership moves demonstrate OpenAI's long-term strategy to navigate both the economic and regulatory complexities of AI, ensuring responsible innovation as the technology continues to evolve.