OpenAI expands international strategy team with Sandro Gianella move
OpenAI has appointed Sandro Gianella to its International Strategy & Operations team, signaling a shift in focus toward expanding the organization’s global footprint as demand for AI technologies continues to grow across education, industry, and government.
Gianella, who previously led OpenAI’s policy and partnerships work across Europe and the Middle East, announced the move in a LinkedIn post, where he confirmed he will now work on scaling the company’s international operations and engagement.
In the post, he wrote: “My next chapter at OpenAI is starting this week - onwards!”
From policy leadership to global strategy
Before taking on the new role, Gianella served as Head of European & Middle East Policy and Partnerships at OpenAI, where he built and led a regional policy team responsible for engaging with governments, regulators, and institutional partners.
His work included establishing OpenAI’s policy presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia, and representing the organization in discussions around AI governance, regulation, and international collaboration.
Gianella says the move into the International Strategy & Operations team will bring him closer to OpenAI’s research, product development, and commercial work: “I’ll be moving to the International Strategy & Operations team led by the one and only Oliver J. to scale our international footprint and listen, participate and act in meaningful ways towards our mission across the globe.”
He added that the role will involve taking “a holistic and strategic lens to our international presence” as the organization continues to expand its global activities.
Growing global engagement around AI
OpenAI’s international expansion comes as governments, universities, and technology companies increase investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, research partnerships, and workforce development initiatives.
Gianella suggested the industry is still at an early stage in understanding the broader impact of AI technologies. “We’re still in the early innings of understanding and anticipating the impact and opportunities of this technology and we’ve got so much to learn and also much to give to help our societies get the most out of democratized AI tools,” he wrote.
The move also coincides with Gianella beginning an Executive MBA program through a joint program delivered by ETH Zurich and University of St. Gallen, which he says will complement the shift toward a more strategic international role.
Continued involvement with startups and investors
Alongside his work at OpenAI, Gianella says he will continue supporting founders and startup ecosystems as an angel investor and venture partner.
He wrote that he plans to keep “scouting for what’s next” and reviewing investment opportunities while maintaining links with early-stage companies working across AI infrastructure, fintech, and software platforms.
Gianella also reflected on more than 15 years working in public policy roles across major technology companies, including previous positions at Google and Stripe.
He described internal policy teams at technology companies as playing a key role in translating between organizations and society, particularly as AI adoption raises new regulatory, economic, and ethical questions.
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