An OpenAI spokesperson told Reuters that the move is intended to “ensure we have a senior leader with broad visibility across the company who is empowered to move quickly.” The hire reflects OpenAI’s ongoing effort to strengthen its leadership in corporate strategy and deal-making as it continues expanding its footprint in the AI sector.
Lee brings extensive experience from his decade-long tenure at Alphabet’s Google, where he led corporate development for Google Cloud and DeepMind, as well as the company’s strategy and scouting team. Over the years, he has worked on more than 60 transactions, including acquisitions and strategic investments totaling over $50 billion, according to his LinkedIn profile. He also serves on the advisory board of Alphabet’s independent growth fund, CapitalG, which has backed major companies including CrowdStrike and Airbnb.
The appointment was first reported earlier Monday by The Information and comes as part of a broader executive expansion at OpenAI. Last month, the company brought in former Amazon executive Torben Severson as vice president and head of global business development. In September, OpenAI also hired Mike Liberatore, the former finance chief at Elon Musk’s xAI, as its business finance officer.
With Lee joining the team, OpenAI appears to be doubling down on building a seasoned leadership team capable of managing complex deals and strategic growth initiatives, positioning the company for the next phase of its AI-driven expansion.