OpenAI hires Google Cloud channel chief Philip Larson

OpenAI is adding another Google Cloud channel veteran as it pushes its partner push from launch mode into execution. Philip Larson, Google Cloud’s former managing director of partner network, is joining OpenAI to run the company’s global partner program.

OpenAI hired Philip Larson to lead its global partner network and channel operations.

What changed

Larson said on LinkedIn that he joined OpenAI to “shape and scale” its global partner ecosystem. At OpenAI, he will lead strategy, design, launch and global operations for the OpenAI Partner Network, with responsibility for partner strategy, programs, incentives, operations and enablement.

The move follows OpenAI’s June launch of the OpenAI Partner Network, which the company backed with $150 million. OpenAI says the program is built to help partners co-sell, co-deploy and build AI solutions around its models and tools.

• Larson previously led Google Cloud’s Partner Network for more than two years.
• He also held partner leadership roles at Snowflake and VMware.
• OpenAI’s program includes partner experience, tiering, benefits, funding, training, badges and specializations.
• OpenAI says the program goes live this month.

Larson is the second senior Google Cloud partner executive to join OpenAI in recent months. Colleen Kapase, who led Google Cloud’s global partner program, left earlier this year to become OpenAI’s vice president of strategic global partnerships and ecosystems.

Why it matters

The hire signals that OpenAI wants a more traditional channel motion, not just direct sales and product launches. For solution providers, that could mean clearer incentives, more formal program tiers and a faster path to packaging OpenAI models into services for enterprise buyers.

It also raises the stakes for rival cloud and AI vendors. OpenAI is using experienced channel leaders to recruit partners that already know how to sell, deploy and support enterprise software at scale.

One Google Cloud partner told CRN the departures are a loss for Google’s ecosystem, while also noting growing interest in OpenAI’s program as the company invests in channel talent and partner training.

The key question now is whether OpenAI can turn its partner network from a funding announcement into a repeatable sales engine before competitors copy the playbook.