OpenAI hires Uber President Jill Hazelbaker to lead communications, filling a critical role that was curiously vacant for 10 months

OpenAI has hired one of Uber's highest ranking executives to oversee its global communications efforts, filling a key role that had been vacant for nearly a year as the AI company navigates a challenging political landscape and moves closer to an initial public offering. Jill Hazelbaker is joining OpenAI as chief corporate affairs officer, the company announced on Tuesday. Hazelbaker, who had been president and chief corporate affairs officer at ride hailing giant Uber, will work alongside OpenAI's leaders to "deepen public understanding of AI and strengthen trust in its mission," the company said. She will report to OpenAI co-founder and president Greg Brockman and starts in early December, OpenAI told Fortune.