Anna Adeola Makanju is a renowned figure in the global policy landscape, with an impressive career that bridges artificial intelligence, international diplomacy, and legal expertise. Born to a Nigerian father and a Ukrainian mother in Russia, Makanju’s early life was marked by a unique cultural fusion, having been raised between Lagos, Nigeria, and Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia. This blend of African and European heritage has deeply influenced her worldview, laying the foundation for a career focused on international cooperation and policy development.
Makanju’s formative years exposed her to diverse cultural, political, and intellectual environments, shaping her into a global citizen. Her pursuit of education began with a Bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and French from Western Washington University. Recognizing the importance of legal frameworks in shaping policy and governance, she went on to earn a Juris Doctor (JD) from the prestigious Stanford Law School. Her legal education opened doors to the global legal stage, where she gained invaluable experience at international criminal tribunals in The Hague. She worked at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, gaining firsthand insight into international law and justice. She also served as a law clerk for Judge Theodore McKee on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, further honing her legal acumen.
Makanju’s career in policy and diplomacy has been both diverse and impactful. She held significant positions in the U.S. government, including roles at the White House, the Department of State, and the Pentagon. Her expertise in European and Eurasian affairs made her an invaluable asset during her time as Senior Policy Advisor to the Vice President on Europe and Eurasia during the Obama-Biden administration. In this capacity, she played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy towards Europe and Russia. Makanju’s influence extended to the United Nations, where she served as Senior Policy Advisor to Ambassador Samantha Power at the U.S. Mission. She was also the Director for Russia at the National Security Council and Chief of Staff for European and NATO Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. These roles underscored her expertise in transatlantic security and diplomacy, as she worked to strengthen alliances and promote stability in key geopolitical regions.
In the private sector, Makanju has also made her mark. Before joining OpenAI, she was Manager of Global Policy at Facebook, where she led efforts to ensure election integrity on the platform. In this role, she oversaw the implementation of policies to safeguard democratic processes, particularly in an era where social media has become a powerful tool for political influence. Since September 2021, Makanju has taken on a pivotal role as the Vice President of Global Affairs at OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research organization. At OpenAI, she has been instrumental in guiding the company’s policy and engagement strategy, helping to shape its position as a global leader in AI. Her expertise has been crucial in navigating the complex relationship between AI development and global regulatory frameworks, particularly as the technology’s impact on society continues to grow.
Under her leadership, OpenAI has adhered to four key principles that define its mission: broadening the distribution of artificial general intelligence (AGI) benefits, enhancing long-term AI safety, collaborating with research and policy institutions, and maintaining its position as a technical leader in the AI field. Makanju has been a key figure in CEO Sam Altman’s transformation of OpenAI from a startup into a major player in the AI industry, acting as a bridge between the technical and policy spheres. Beyond her work at OpenAI, Makanju continues to contribute to the global policy conversation through various advisory and board positions. She is a member of the Advisory Council of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, a Board Member at Coty, Panera Bread, and ClearyX, and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council. These roles allow her to apply her vast experience in both policy and technology to a broader range of industries and sectors, further solidifying her status as a thought leader.
Anna Adeola Makanju’s career is a testament to her dedication to advancing global policy and fostering innovation in emerging technologies. From her early days in international law to her current role in AI policy, Makanju has consistently been at the forefront of shaping how governments and companies interact with complex global challenges. As AI continues to evolve and impact every facet of society, her leadership at OpenAI positions her as one of the most influential voices in ensuring that this powerful technology is developed responsibly, with an eye towards the long-term benefits for humanity.
