As OpenAI continues to grow out its global partner ecosystem, the AI organization has hired Philip Larson as Senior Director, OpenAI Partner Network (OPN).
Larson brings VMware, Snowflake, and Google Cloud experience to AI giant
In a LinkedIn post, Larson wrote that he has joined OpenAI to help “shape and scale its global partner ecosystem.”
Formerly Google Cloud’s Partner Network managing director, Larson brings over two decades of experience in building and leading partner ecosystems at companies such as Snowflake and VMware.
“Across VMware, Google Cloud, and Snowflake, I’ve seen that the best partner programs are not defined by their complexity,” Larson penned on LinkedIn.
“They are defined by the customer outcomes they accelerate – helping partners co-sell, co-deploy, and build differentiated, durable customer solutions around transformational technology.”
OpenAI Partner Network gains a leader
Larson will be charged with leading OpenAI’s newly launched Partner Network, which was announced on June 14.
The OpenAI Partner Network is the company’s first formal partner program, designed to help partners build, sell, and deliver AI solutions powered by OpenAI’s technology.
The Partner Network is bolstered by a $150 million investment the company made into its partner ecosystem.
OpenAI continues assembling its partner team
Prior to launching the Partner Network, the AI giant hired another former Google Cloud channel leader, adding Colleen Kapase as VP of strategic global partnerships and ecosystems.
Kapase joined OpenAI in April after leaving Google Cloud the month prior, where she led channel partnerships.
“Bringing value to enterprise customers through a vibrant, profitable, and strategic ecosystem is my super power. But this time I’m thinking differently than ever before. This time we will harness the power of AI to support, inform, train, and engage with partners. Together we will sharpen new skills and build value for customers that will produce wonder and trust ROI,” Kapase wrote in a LinkedIn post at the time.