OpenAI appoints Dr. Ronnie Chatterji as first Chief Economist

NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT

San Francisco, CA, October 28, 2024: OpenAI has announced the appointment of Dr. Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji as its inaugural Chief Economist, marking a significant step in the organization’s commitment to understanding and maximizing the economic potential of artificial intelligence. Dr. Chatterji, a distinguished professor at Duke University with a background in business and public policy, and a former White House CHIPS coordinator, will lead OpenAI’s research on the economic impacts of AI technologies.

In his new role, Dr. Chatterji will focus on key areas such as the global economic implications of AI infrastructure, long-term labor market trends, and strategies to enable workers and organizations to leverage AI’s benefits. Through this work, OpenAI aims to provide insights to policymakers, researchers, and institutions worldwide, supporting them in navigating both the opportunities and challenges associated with AI as an economic driver.

Dr. Chatterji shared his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “My career has focused on studying how innovation and entrepreneurship shape our economy and society, and I am excited to apply my skills to support OpenAI’s mission to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are widely distributed. I look forward to contributing to research that helps inform how we transition to an AI-driven economy.”

OpenAI Board Member and former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers emphasized AI’s potential to drive substantial economic shifts, likening it to the transformative impact of electricity. “Dr. Chatterji’s deep understanding of the dynamics that shape our economy and society will guide OpenAI’s mission to create AI tools that fuel growth, solve complex challenges, and foster long-term prosperity,” he said.

Dr. Chatterji completed his bachelor’s degree in economics from Cornell University. After working as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, he received his Ph.D. from the Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley. He has been married to his wife, Neely Shah, since 2010.

With Dr. Chatterji’s extensive experience in economic policy—including leadership roles in the Biden administration and academic contributions spanning two books and over 30 articles across economics, finance, and strategic management—OpenAI aims to deepen its exploration of AI’s economic potential, supporting communities in harnessing AI’s power for sustained economic growth and job creation.

Cover photo of Dr. Chatterji: Fuqua School of Business website.

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