Rishi Sunak Joins Microsoft and Anthropic as Adviser

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken on new roles in the global technology sector by joining Microsoft and Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence company, as a senior adviser. These part-time, non-policy roles will see Sunak offering strategic guidance on macroeconomic and geopolitical trends, further marking his transition from public office to international corporate engagement.

Role and Responsibilities

Sunak’s appointments were announced in early October 2025. He described the companies as two of the “world’s leading tech firms” in a LinkedIn post and expressed his excitement to contribute to their global missions.

At Anthropic, Sunak will focus on,

• Advising on strategy and geopolitical trends
• Engaging in internal corporate strategy without representing Anthropic in UK policy matters

At Microsoft, his role will include,

• Providing insights on macroeconomic developments
• Speaking engagements at corporate summits, including the Microsoft Annual Summit
• These roles are part of a broader trend of former leaders taking on strategic advisory positions in tech, where geopolitical awareness intersects with AI, data, and innovation policy.

Is It a Paid Role?

• Yes, both roles are paid positions. However, Sunak has publicly committed to donating 100% of his earnings from these advisory jobs to The Richmond Project, a UK-based charity founded by him and his wife, Akshata Murty.
• The charity focuses on improving numeracy and confidence in everyday mathematics across the UK.
• This decision appears to address potential public scrutiny regarding former political leaders profiting from post-office corporate roles.

Regulatory Oversight and Ethics

As a sitting Member of Parliament, Sunak’s transition to corporate advisory roles was reviewed by ACOBA (Advisory Committee on Business Appointments), which ensures ethical compliance for former ministers.

ACOBA has,

• Approved both appointments under set conditions
• Prohibited lobbying or direct contact with UK government officials on behalf of either company
• Stipulated that Sunak does not advise on any UK-specific policy matters
• Such conditions are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and protect the integrity of government processes.

Static Facts to Remember

• Who: Rishi Sunak, former UK Prime Minister
• Companies: Microsoft and Anthropic
• Roles: Senior Adviser (part-time, global strategy focus)
• Start Date: Announced October 2025
• Payment: Yes, all proceeds to be donated to charity