Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken on new global roles in the technology and artificial intelligence sectors, joining Microsoft and Anthropic as a senior adviser. The move comes months after his resignation as the Conservative Party leader following the July general election defeat. Sunak, who still serves as a member of the British Parliament, announced the development on Thursday through a detailed LinkedIn post, emphasizing his commitment to supporting innovation and technology-driven progress.
Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and Anthropic to Shape Global AI Strategy
The decision of Rishi Sunak to join Microsoft and Anthropic highlights his growing involvement in the global AI and technology policy landscape. According to Reuters, Sunak’s roles will focus primarily on strategic advisory related to macroeconomic and geopolitical trends rather than domestic political matters in the UK.
Both companies—Microsoft, one of the world’s largest software giants, and Anthropic, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence startup backed by Google and Amazon—confirmed that the advisory positions comply fully with the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) regulations. These regulations ensure transparency and prevent former government officials from exploiting insider knowledge or exerting undue influence.
ACOBA’s interim chair, Isabel Doverty, confirmed that Sunak is prohibited from lobbying or engaging in UK policy discussions on behalf of either company for two years following his departure from office. This rule ensures ethical boundaries between his new private-sector advisory responsibilities and his previous public-sector role.
Focus on AI Innovation and Global Strategy
As part of his collaboration with Anthropic, Rishi Sunak will offer insights on global strategic matters, including economic, geopolitical, and technological trends shaping the AI industry. The focus of this role is on helping Anthropic navigate the complex global landscape of artificial intelligence regulation, competition, and safety development.
At Microsoft, Sunak’s advisory position will involve contributing to discussions on the macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges facing the technology industry. He will also participate as a speaker at the annual Microsoft Summit, sharing his perspectives on how global policies, innovation, and market dynamics intersect.
Microsoft has been one of the major players driving the global AI revolution through its investments in OpenAI and large-scale deployment of AI systems in products like Copilot and Azure AI. Meanwhile, Anthropic—founded by former OpenAI researchers—has been developing Claude, a competitive AI assistant known for its focus on safety and responsible AI development.
Sunak’s dual involvement in these leading AI organizations places him at the center of conversations shaping the future of AI governance, safety, and international regulation.
Commitment to Philanthropy and Ethical Governance
In his LinkedIn announcement, Rishi Sunak revealed that all proceeds from his new roles at Microsoft and Anthropic will be donated to The Richmond Project, a charity he founded with his wife, Akshata Murty. The organization focuses on social welfare initiatives, educational programs, and community development efforts in the UK.
This decision underscores Sunak’s commitment to ethical leadership and social responsibility, aligning with his previous efforts to promote innovation and economic stability during his time as Prime Minister.
Rishi Sunak’s Growing Portfolio in the Private Sector
This move marks another major step in Sunak’s post-political career. In July, he also joined Goldman Sachs in an advisory capacity, returning to the financial institution where he began his career in the early 2000s as an analyst before moving into hedge funds. His recent transition into advisory roles with global technology companies demonstrates his focus on combining economic expertise with innovation-driven industries.
By aligning himself with companies like Microsoft and Anthropic, Sunak is extending his influence into the intersection of technology, economics, and global policy—areas that are increasingly shaping modern governance and economic development.
The Broader Context of AI Leadership and Global Impact
Rishi Sunak’s involvement with AI-driven companies comes at a time when artificial intelligence is at the forefront of global economic transformation. According to PwC’s Global AI Study, AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the world economy by 2030. Governments and private organizations are racing to establish frameworks for ethical AI use, balancing innovation with public safety.
During his time as Prime Minister, Sunak was vocal about the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in AI governance, hosting the AI Safety Summit in 2023. His latest advisory positions align with this long-term vision, allowing him to influence the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies on a global scale.
Rishi Sunak joining Microsoft and Anthropic represents a strategic convergence of political experience, economic understanding, and technological insight. His focus on global strategy, AI safety, and ethical innovation positions him as a significant figure in the evolving relationship between governments and the tech industry.
As the world navigates rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, Sunak’s advisory roles are expected to help bridge the gap between policy and innovation, ensuring that technology growth remains both economically beneficial and socially responsible. With his continued commitment to philanthropy and ethical governance, Rishi Sunak’s new chapter reflects how global leaders can contribute to shaping the future of technology and AI.
