Technology

OpenAI hires ex-White House official as chief economist

Published by Uma Rajagopal

Posted on October 24, 2024

2 min read

· Last updated: January 29, 2026

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OpenAI appoints Aaron Chatterji as chief economist to study AI's economic impact - Global Banking & Finance Review
This image highlights OpenAI's recent appointment of Aaron Chatterji as chief economist. Chatterji will lead research on AI's effects on economic growth and job creation, crucial for understanding the evolving tech landscape.
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(Reuters) – ChatGPT parent OpenAI has tapped former White House official Aaron Chatterji as its first chief economist to lead research on AI’s impact on the economy, the startup at the center of the generative artificial intelligence frenzy said on Tuesday. Chatterji, a professor of business and public policy at Duke University, was formerly […]

(Reuters) – ChatGPT parent OpenAI has tapped former White House official Aaron Chatterji as its first chief economist to lead research on AI’s impact on the economy, the startup at the center of the generative artificial intelligence frenzy said on Tuesday.

Chatterji, a professor of business and public policy at Duke University , was formerly a White House CHIPS coordinator, responsible for the implementation of the $52.7 billion in subsidies for U.S. semiconductor production and research.

He was previously the chief economist of the Department of Commerce under President Joe Biden and has also served as a senior economist on former U.S. President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers.

In his new role, Chatterji will lead research into AI’s potential effects on economic growth and job creation. This research will also span the global economic impact of building AI infrastructure and insights on longer-term labor market trends .

Separately, the company also appointed ex-Uber executive Scott Schools as OpenAI’s chief compliance officer on Tuesday. Schools has also served as associate deputy attorney general at the U.S. Department of Justice .

The appointments are the latest in OpenAI’s recent executive shake-ups and organizational changes.

(Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a chief economist?
A chief economist is a senior executive responsible for analyzing economic trends, providing insights on economic policies, and guiding an organization's economic strategy.
What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn like humans, capable of performing tasks such as problem-solving and decision-making.
What is economic growth?
Economic growth is the increase in the production of goods and services in an economy over a specific period, often measured by the rise in gross domestic product (GDP).
What is AI infrastructure?
AI infrastructure consists of the hardware and software resources necessary to develop, train, and deploy artificial intelligence applications, including data storage, processing power, and networking capabilities.

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