OpenAI named Albert Lee as its new Vice President of Corporate Development, effective December 16, 2025. Lee joins the company from Google, where he previously served as the head of corporate development.
In his new role, Lee reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He will oversee strategic partnerships, investment strategy, and the expansion of the business ecosystem. Lee previously managed enterprise-level collaborations and strategic investments during his tenure at Google.
The appointment seeks to enhance OpenAI’s business and commercialization capabilities amid intense competition in the artificial intelligence sector. Strategic partnerships and commercial implementation become crucial differentiators as AI models mature.
Hiring a leader from a top rival like Google highlights OpenAI’s focus on strengthening its corporate strategy. The company is transitioning from a technology-focused leader to a comprehensive platform enterprise.