A profile of Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar, Anthropic's first global affairs chief, who had helped shape California's first AI safety law in 2025

AI companies now have a senior executive focused on global policy, signaling a proactive approach to navigating international regulations.

Anthropic, a leading AI company, has appointed Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar as its first global affairs chief. Cuéllar, a former California Supreme Court justice and president of the Carnegie Endowment, brings extensive experience in public law, policy, and international engagement. His hiring comes as AI companies face increasing scrutiny and calls for regulation worldwide. Cuéllar's role will involve navigating complex AI policy dilemmas with governments, managing lobbyists, and balancing relationships with international bodies and the U.S. government. He is known for his thoughtful approach to complex societal problems and has previously helped shape AI safety legislation in California. His appointment positions Anthropic to engage proactively with global regulatory discussions as the company prepares for its public offering.

Cuéllar's background, including his role in crafting California's AI safety law, suggests Anthropic aims for a more collaborative and expert-driven approach to global AI governance, contrasting with more adversarial strategies seen elsewhere in the industry. This appointment signals a potential shift towards integrating deep policy expertise into the core operations of major AI developers, moving beyond pure technical development.

The company's decision to hire a dedicated global affairs chief reflects the escalating importance of international regulatory frameworks for the AI sector. As Anthropic prepares to go public, establishing a strong global policy presence is crucial for managing public perception, fostering trust, and ensuring compliance across diverse jurisdictions.