In a significant move to strengthen its leadership team, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has recruited a top executive from Amazon. Torben Severson, a seasoned leader with over 17 years at the e-commerce giant, has joined the artificial intelligence company as its Vice President and Head of Global Business Development.
A Major Career Shift After 17 Years at Amazon
Severson announced his departure from Amazon, where his last day was October 17. He officially stepped into his new role at the Sam Altman-led OpenAI on November 10. In a public statement, Severson described the move as an unmissable opportunity at a defining moment in technology.
His final position at Amazon was Technical Advisor to the CEO of Worldwide Amazon Stores, Doug Herrington. Severson's long tenure at Amazon began in 2008 as the first member of what later became the Corporate Business Development (CorpBD) team. He played a key role in shaping some of Amazon's most strategic partnerships and also led initiatives like 'Fuse,' which helped accelerate Prime membership adoption.
Severson's Mission at OpenAI
At OpenAI, Severson will be responsible for leading the global business development team. His core mandate will be to build out the company's critical outside partnerships and define its commercial strategy. This is a crucial function as OpenAI continues to expand its suite of AI products and services and navigates an increasingly competitive landscape.
In his announcement, Severson expressed immense gratitude for his time at Amazon, stating it shaped his thinking and taught him to navigate complex problems. He highlighted learning the value of high judgment and building trust. However, he was drawn to the transformative potential at OpenAI, calling it a rare chance to be at the frontier of what's possible.
What This Means for OpenAI's Future
The hiring of a veteran from a tech behemoth like Amazon signals OpenAI's intent to scale its business operations aggressively. Severson's extensive experience in forging large-scale partnerships and developing commercial strategy will be vital for OpenAI's next phase of growth. His appointment bolsters the executive ranks as the company focuses on monetizing its groundbreaking AI research and expanding its global footprint.
Severson noted that he has already begun his work, having met his new business development and industry teams and completed his first leadership offsite. The industry will be watching closely to see how his expertise in scaling Amazon's partnerships translates to the dynamic world of artificial intelligence.
