Name:
Anna Adeola Makanju
Role:
Vice President of Global Impact at OpenAI; Public Policy and Legal Expert.
Net Worth:
As of March 2025, Anna Makanju’s net worth is estimated at $10 million.
Profile Overview:
Anna Makanju is a Nigerian-American public policy expert, legal scholar, and advocate for ethical AI development. As Vice President of Global Impact at OpenAI, she leads efforts to ensure artificial intelligence benefits humanity equitably while addressing societal risks. Makanju’s distinguished career spans roles in the Obama administration, Facebook, and international law. Recognized as one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in AI (2023), she has become a prominent voice in AI governance and regulation.
Bio:
Anna Makanju was born in St. Petersburg, Russia, to a Ukrainian mother and Nigerian father. Her family relocated frequently during her childhood, living in Germany, Nigeria, Kuwait, and the United States before settling in Texas. She attended Western Washington University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and French, followed by a law degree from Stanford University.
Makanju began her career working with international criminal tribunals in The Hague and clerking for Judge Theodore McKee on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. She later joined Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP’s international arbitration group before transitioning into public service. During the Obama administration, she held senior positions such as Special Policy Advisor for Europe and Eurasia to Vice President Joe Biden and Director for Russia at the National Security Council.
After leaving government service, Makanju worked at Facebook as Public Policy Manager for Global Elections, focusing on election integrity. In 2021, she joined OpenAI as Vice President of Global Affairs, later becoming Vice President of Global Impact in 2024. She also serves on the boards of Coty Inc., Panera Brands, and the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford.
Anna Makanju’s Role in Artificial Intelligence:
Anna Makanju is a leading advocate for ethical AI development and governance. At OpenAI, she oversees global engagement strategies to ensure AI systems are responsibly developed and deployed. Her work emphasizes collaboration with international bodies to establish frameworks that mitigate risks while maximizing AI’s societal benefits.
Makanju has been pivotal in shaping OpenAI’s principles around safety, equity, and transparency. She actively contributes to discussions on AI regulation and legislation, advocating for inclusive policies that address global disparities.
Nationality:
Nigerian-American
Age:
Approximately 48–49 years old (as of March 30, 2025).
Educational Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Linguistics and French from Western Washington University.
- Law Degree: Stanford Law School.
Sources of Wealth:
- OpenAI: Vice President of Global Impact; leads AI governance initiatives.
- Government Roles: Senior positions in the Obama administration.
- Legal Career: Worked with international criminal tribunals and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP.
- Corporate Roles: Public Policy Manager at Facebook; board memberships at Coty Inc., Panera Brands.
- Speaking Engagements & Recognition: Named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in AI (2023).
Random Fact:
Anna Makanju spent part of her childhood living in Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War before relocating to Texas with her family.
Anna Makanju’s career reflects her dedication to advancing public policy and ethical AI development globally. Her leadership at OpenAI continues to shape the future of responsible technology deployment while fostering equity across diverse communities.
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