Meet Aaron "Ronnie" Chatterji - OpenAI’s first chief economist

OpenAI has named Aaron "Ronnie" Chatterji— a distinguished professor at Duke University and former White House CHIPS coordinator— as its first Chief Economist. In this new role, Chatterji will spearhead research on AI's impact on economic growth, job creation, and labor market trends, with a focus on how to harness AI's potential for long-term prosperity.

"My career has focused on studying how innovation and entrepreneurship shape our economy and society, and I am excited to apply my skills to support OpenAI’s mission to ensure that the benefits of artificial intelligence are widely distributed," said Chatterji.

"I look forward to contributing to research that helps inform how we transition to an AI-driven economy."

Praise from OpenAI leadership

Larry Summers, OpenAI board member and former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, highlighted the significance of Chatterji’s appointment saying. "Like electricity, AI holds the potential to revolutionize our economy by accelerating innovation and boosting productivity. Dr. Chatterji’s deep understanding of the dynamics shaping our economy will guide OpenAI’s mission to create AI tools that fuel growth, solve complex challenges, and foster long-term prosperity."

A look at Aaron "Ronnie" Chatterji's career

Chatterji brings a wealth of experience from both academia and public service. At Duke University, he serves as the Mark Burgess & Lisa Benson-Burgess Distinguished Professor of Business and Public Policy.

In the public sector, he played a pivotal role in executing the $52 billion CHIPS and Science Act during his time as the White House CHIPS coordinator.

He has also held key economic leadership roles like;

• Acting Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council
• Chief Economist of the U.S. Department of Commerce
• Senior economist on President Obama’s Council of Economic Advisers