Anthropic Names New Managing Director for International Affairs
Anthropic has announced that Matt Clifford will be stepping into the role of Managing Director for International Affairs. Clifford, a notable British tech investor and former AI adviser to the UK government, will oversee the company’s engagements with governments outside of North America.
Working out of London, Clifford will collaborate across regions including Europe and Asia-Pacific. He joins a team headed by Mariano-Florentino “Tino” Cuéllar, who is leading Anthropic’s international outreach efforts.
Clifford brings a wealth of experience in the intersection of technology and policy to his new role. He co-founded Entrepreneurs First, chairs the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), and has contributed to the UK government’s AI policies and strategies. Notably, in 2023, he acted as the Prime Minister’s representative for the AI Safety Summit, where he played a key role in organizing the international event at Bletchley Park. Cuéllar has also praised him for shaping the taskforce that developed the UK’s AI Safety Institute and for writing the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
In a recent LinkedIn post, Clifford expressed his excitement about the position, highlighting the importance of government influence in the evolution of artificial intelligence. He stated, “During the past few years, I have been focused on the big questions AI poses for governments and societies. It’s crucial that the decisions affecting AI’s impact involve collaboration among industry, governments, and civil society.”
Clifford emphasized that people should have a say in how technology is utilized in their communities and appreciates Anthropic’s commitment to this goal, which is why he chose to join the company.
Transitioning from UK AI Policy to a Global Stage
Clifford’s appointment comes after years of increasing involvement in public AI policy. Alongside his responsibilities at the AI Safety Summit, he will continue to chair ARIA while stepping back from some of his other roles to concentrate on his work with Anthropic.
Cuéllar highlighted that Clifford’s unique blend of experience in technology and public service was a key factor in his selection for the role. He noted, “Few individuals have the ability to construct in this industry while also influencing the public institutions that oversee it.”
As Clifford prepares to take on this new international role, it places him among other significant figures from the UK, including George Osborne at OpenAI and former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at Anthropic. These appointments reflect a growing trend of prominent British leaders joining major AI organizations as the global conversation around AI development continues to evolve.
