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OpenAI Hires Google Veteran Albert Lee as Vice President of Corporate Development

The Google dealmaker arrives to accelerate investments and acquisitions, signaling a push for centralized dealmaking under finance chief Sarah Friar.

Overview

  • OpenAI said Lee starts Tuesday and will report to finance chief Sarah Friar.
  • The company described the role as giving a senior leader broad visibility with authority to move quickly on strategic transactions.
  • Lee previously led corporate development for Google Cloud and DeepMind and has worked on more than 60 deals totaling over $50 billion, according to his LinkedIn profile.
  • The hire follows a series of deals that include a definitive agreement to acquire Neptune and earlier purchases of Statsig, io, and Software Applications Incorporated.
  • Recent leadership additions include Denise Dresser as chief revenue officer, Torben Severson to lead global business development, and Mike Liberatore as business finance officer, with The Information first reporting Lee’s move.