Former UK PM Rishi Sunak Takes Advisory Roles at Microsoft, AI Firm Anthropic

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Thursday that he has joined US technology major Microsoft and AI startup Anthropic as a senior adviser. The move marks a major step in Sunak’s post-political career as he transitions from public service to global technology leadership.

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who stepped down as the leader of the Conservative Party following his party’s defeat in the July 2025 general elections, continues to serve as a Member of Parliament in the UK.

Charitable Commitment Through The Richmond Project

In a LinkedIn post, Sunak confirmed that “the proceeds from the roles will be donated in full to The Richmond Project,” a charitable foundation he co-founded with his wife, Akshata Murty. The charity focuses on education, youth empowerment, and community development initiatives across the UK.

Advisory Focus at Anthropic and Microsoft

At Anthropic

Sunak will advise Anthropic on strategy, macroeconomic and geopolitical trends, focusing on global strategic issues rather than UK-specific policy. According to a statement, Sunak is prohibited from initiating contact with UK government officials on behalf of Anthropic, ensuring a clear separation from his political role.

At Microsoft

Sunak will similarly provide strategic perspectives on macroeconomic and geopolitical developments to Microsoft. He is also scheduled to speak at the annual Microsoft Summit, according to an advisory letter by Isabel Doverty, interim chair of the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA), published on Thursday. The letter emphasized that Sunak “will not be advising on any UK policy matters.”

Ethical and Compliance Restrictions

Per ACOBA’s conditions, “the former prime minister cannot lobby for the firm for two years from his last day in ministerial office, nor draw on any privileged information from his time in government.”

These rules are designed to prevent potential conflicts of interest between Sunak’s previous role in government and his new advisory engagements.

Microsoft and Anthropic’s Strategic Vision

Both Microsoft and Anthropic have been at the forefront of the AI revolution. Microsoft has deepened its collaboration with OpenAI while expanding partnerships with other AI companies, including Anthropic, in areas of safety and advanced model development.

Anthropic, known for its AI assistant Claude, is among the fastest-growing startups in the generative AI sector. The company’s emphasis on AI safety, transparency, and alignment aligns with Sunak’s policy focus during his tenure as prime minister, when he hosted the AI Safety Summit at Bletchley Park in 2023.

Return to Finance: Goldman Sachs Advisory Role

The new advisory positions follow Sunak’s July 2025 appointment at Goldman Sachs, where he serves as a strategic adviser. Before entering politics, Sunak worked at the Wall Street investment bank as an analyst in the early 2000s and later joined several hedge funds, shaping his financial acumen and global market understanding.

Conclusion

Rishi Sunak’s appointment as a senior adviser to Microsoft and Anthropic underscores the growing intersection between global policymaking, artificial intelligence, and corporate governance. His expertise in macroeconomics, regulation, and international diplomacy makes him a valuable asset to technology firms navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

By pledging to donate all earnings to The Richmond Project, Sunak also reaffirms his commitment to social responsibility. As he balances his parliamentary role with advisory duties in the tech and finance sectors, his transition symbolizes a broader trend — world leaders turning toward AI and technology-driven global innovation after political life.