A former executive from OpenAI has been named the UK prime minister’s new AI adviser, taking over from Matt Clifford, who resigned from the position in July. Jade Leung, currently serving as chief technology officer at the AI Security Institute, will continue in this role while dividing her time between Number 10 and the Institute.
Leung worked at ChatGPT creator OpenAI from 2021 to 2023 as a governance and policy adviser, as well as governance lead. An Oxford and Cambridge alumna with a PhD in AI governance, she has also held a position at the Centre for the Governance of AI. Leung will report to UK prime minister Keir Starmer and tech minister Peter Kyle.
According to the government, “In her role, she will work to establish the UK as the leading nation in utilizing the benefits and preparing for the impacts of transformative AI, collaborating closely with the prime minister to leverage the technology for robust foundations and economic growth essential to the government’s Plan for Change.”
Clifford tweeted: “Absolutely delighted about this – major upgrade on the last AI adviser! Jade brings extensive experience from frontier labs, VC, and government and will do an exceptional job of positioning the UK as a leader in AI.”
Clifford resigned in July for family reasons after six months in the role.