Former PM Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and Anthropic
Just this week, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has assumed a senior advisory role at Microsoft and Anthropic . This marks his initial transition back into the private sector following his departure from 10 Downing Street in June 2024.
Just this week, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has assumed a senior advisory role at Microsoft and Anthropic . This marks his initial transition back into the private sector following his departure from 10 Downing Street in June 2024.
Rishi Sunak has a notable background in the private sector. He studied PPE at Oxford and received an MBA from Stanford, subsequently working for Goldman Sachs and serving as a partner at two hedge funds. He transitioned into politics in 2015, playing a significant role as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Boris Johnson's leadership. After an unsuccessful leadership bid against Liz Truss, Sunak eventually became Prime Minister until the July 2024 election. Subsequently, he briefly returned to Goldman Sachs.
In his new role at Microsoft, Sunak will provide guidance on global technology strategy and innovation policy, with a focus on artificial intelligence governance, digital transformation, and public-private collaboration. At Anthropic, a leading AI safety and research company, he will contribute to the development of responsible AI frameworks and promote transparency in the global AI ecosystem.
Throughout his tenure as Prime Minister, Sunak actively positioned the UK as a leader in AI. He spearheaded the AI Safety Summit in 2023 and established the UK's 'Frontier AI Taskforce' to strengthen the UK's standing in the AI sector. His recent roles at Microsoft and Anthropic demonstrate his continued commitment to AI, now from a corporate perspective.
Just this week, former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has assumed a senior advisory role at Microsoft and Anthropic .
A Trend Of Politicians Moving Into Big Tech
Rishi Sunak's transition to Microsoft and Anthropic is part of a broader trend of politicians joining major tech companies to enhance their engagement with governments and understand policy impacts. Other notable examples include:
Nick Clegg: Former Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader, served as President of Global Affairs at Meta from 2018 to early 2025. Liam Booth-Smith: Former senior adviser to Sunak, joined Anthropic earlier this year as 'external affairs chief'. Cassian Horowitz: Former Head of Strategic Communications at 10 Downing Street, became Head of Executive Digital Communications at Google in August 2025. Amber Rudd: Former Home Secretary, senior advisor at Teneo, and board member at Darktrace. Baroness Joanna Shields: Former UK Minister for Internet Safety & Security, held leadership roles at Google, Facebook, and BenevolentAI.
Tech companies are increasingly recruiting public sector experts to navigate evolving policies related to AI and technology. The expertise of individuals familiar with public sector operations is invaluable as companies adapt to regulatory changes. Rishi Sunak's new positions signify his ongoing influence in shaping the UK's AI landscape.
Based on reporting by techround.co.uk.