OpenAI’s James Hairston takes on new global innovation policy role amid APAC expansion

Photo credit: James Hairston

Company builds out international policy team as recruitment opens for new Asia-Pacific leader.

OpenAI’s James Hairston has stepped into the role of Global Head of Innovation Policy, a position focused on frontier research areas including devices and robotics.

Hairston took to social media to reflect on his previous work leading OpenAI’s international policy and partnerships team and signaled new hiring for the company’s Asia-Pacific operations.

Focus shifts to frontier innovation and global collaboration

Hairston joined OpenAI in 2023 as Head of International Policy and Partnerships, where he built policy and engagement teams across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Before joining OpenAI, he spent nearly a decade at Meta, including as Senior Director of Policy at Reality Labs, overseeing policy on AI, augmented and virtual reality, and emerging technology.

In his update, Hairston described his transition as an opportunity to help shape OpenAI’s approach to global innovation and advanced AI research. “Excited to step into a new role as OpenAI's Global Head of Innovation Policy where I'll be focused on frontier research including devices and robotics,” he wrote. “It’s been an incredible few years building our Global Affairs team across Asia, Africa, and Latin America with the world's best policy minds.”

OpenAI recruiting new Head of Asia-Pacific, Global Affairs

Alongside Hairston’s new role, OpenAI is hiring a Head of Asia-Pacific, Global Affairs, responsible for leading public policy and government engagement across the region. The position spans Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Seoul, and Delhi, reporting to the company’s Vice President of Global Affairs.

According to OpenAI’s job listing, the role will guide regional policy strategy, shape partnerships with governments and institutions, and lead advocacy for responsible AI deployment. The candidate will represent OpenAI at high-level forums and work across teams to align policy and technical priorities.

Hairston, now working closely with OpenAI’s global affairs leadership, encouraged potential applicants to apply: “Now Chris Lehane and I are recruiting a new senior leader for APAC. Join us.”

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