MAM
OpenAI ropes in George Osborne to steer global Stargate push
London: OpenAI is bringing politics into its AI playbook. The ChatGPT maker has appointed George Osborne, Britain’s former finance minister, to spearhead its global expansion strategy, underscoring how artificial intelligence is fast being treated as national infrastructure rather than a private tech bet.
Osborne will take charge as managing director and head of the company’s OpenAI for Countries initiative, a programme designed to work with governments on national AI strategies. He is set to assume the role in January, focusing on overseas expansion and public-sector partnerships.
The initiative is an international extension of OpenAI’s ambitious $500 billion Stargate programme to build data centres in the United States, signalling a push to export both computing muscle and governance frameworks. OpenAI says the effort aims to ensure AI systems are built on democratic values while strengthening local innovation ecosystems, education and infrastructure.
Osborne, who served as chancellor of the exchequer from 2010 to 2016, is expected to represent OpenAI at the World Economic Forum in Davos next month, placing the company squarely in global policy conversations.
The appointment reflects rising geopolitical stakes around AI, where influence now hinges not just on algorithms, but on who writes the rules. OpenAI is betting that power, like data, scales best when governments are on side.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
