Rishi Sunak’s Next Chapter: From 10 Downing Street to Microsoft and Anthropic’s AI Boardrooms

In a move that blurs the line between politics and technology, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken on two powerful new roles — as senior advisor to Microsoft and the fast-growing AI startup Anthropic. Once at the helm of one of the world’s most influential economies, Sunak is now stepping into a different kind of leadership: guiding the global conversation on technology, productivity, and the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence.

Announcing his new roles on LinkedIn, Sunak wrote with evident enthusiasm, “Microsoft has driven productivity improvements for decades, and Anthropic is one of the most exciting AI frontier labs.”

It’s a clear signal of where his interests — and perhaps his influence — are heading next.

From Political Vision to Tech Foresight

Rishi Sunak’s move to the private tech sector might seem surprising to some, but it’s actually a natural extension of his long-standing interest in innovation. During his time as Prime Minister, Sunak often emphasized technology as a cornerstone of economic growth, speaking about how AI could reshape productivity, education, and healthcare.

Now, at Microsoft, his focus will be on providing strategic insights into geopolitical and macroeconomic developments — a role that leverages his experience navigating global challenges. He’s even scheduled to speak at the company’s upcoming Microsoft Summit, where tech leaders and policymakers meet to discuss the future of digital economies.

At Anthropic, the San Francisco-based AI firm backed by Amazon and Google, Sunak will advise on strategic, macroeconomic, and geopolitical trends. But his responsibilities come with a crucial boundary: he will not engage in UK-specific policy matters or interact with government officials on behalf of either company.

Both positions are part-time and advisory, allowing him to remain a sitting Member of Parliament while offering insights to some of the most influential players in the tech world.

A Paid Role with a Purpose

Sunak’s advisory positions are paid, though the companies have not disclosed the financial details. But in a move that’s drawn both admiration and curiosity, he announced that every penny of his earnings will go to charity.

“All proceeds from these roles will be donated in full to The Richmond Project,” he shared in his post — referring to the initiative he co-founded with his wife, Akshata Murthy, to help people across the UK build confidence with everyday numbers.

It’s a symbolic yet meaningful decision — reflecting the balance Sunak often tries to maintain between public service and private enterprise.

A Familiar Terrain: Sunak’s Corporate Roots

Before his political career skyrocketed, Rishi Sunak was no stranger to boardrooms or financial strategy. He began his career at Goldman Sachs as an analyst in the early 2000s and later worked with hedge funds like The Children’s Investment Fund Management and Theleme Partners.

Even before his return to finance earlier this year — when he rejoined Goldman Sachs in a corporate role — Sunak had built a solid business network. He also served as a director at Catamaran Ventures, the investment firm founded by his father-in-law, NR Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys.

That corporate grounding, combined with his global political experience, makes him uniquely placed to advise tech giants navigating complex geopolitical landscapes — especially as governments worldwide tighten their scrutiny on AI and data use.

Why This Move Matters

Sunak’s dual appointments come at a time when governments and tech companies are increasingly intertwined. From AI regulation to global trade policies, leaders who understand both worlds are rare — and valuable.

For Microsoft, having a former prime minister on board means sharper geopolitical insight as it continues to expand its AI partnerships and cloud infrastructure globally. For Anthropic, which is at the forefront of responsible AI development, Sunak’s experience in regulation and ethics could help steer critical conversations around policy and innovation.

This partnership between political experience and tech leadership reflects a broader trend: the world’s most pressing challenges — from automation to digital equity — demand collaboration between policymakers and innovators.

From No. 10 to the Tech Frontier

While Rishi Sunak may have left Downing Street, his influence clearly hasn’t dimmed. His shift from the political spotlight to Silicon Valley boardrooms marks a fascinating new chapter — one that places him at the intersection of governance, business, and artificial intelligence.

It’s a reminder that leadership today isn’t confined to parliament buildings. Sometimes, it’s found in advisory rooms where the future of technology — and the ethics that will shape it — are being defined.

And for Sunak, it seems this is just the beginning of his next act.