Nicole Seligman

Nicole Seligman is a lawyer and corporate director whose AI work centers on governance at OpenAI. She edited the Asian Wall Street Journal, earned a Harvard Law degree, and represented Oliver North and President Bill Clinton before joining Sony as its general counsel in 2001. She later led Sony Corporation of America, served on WPP’s board, joined OpenAI’s board in March 2024, and served on its Safety and Security Committee. As of October 2026, she serves on the OpenAI Foundation board.

Now at: OpenAI and OpenAI Foundation
Born: 1957
Badges: Bridge

Years link to their sources.

Timeline

1978–1980

Asian Wall Street Journal editor

From 1978 to 1980, she is the associate editorial page editor of the Asian Wall Street Journal.
1983

Harvard Law and North’s defense

She earns her J.D. from Harvard Law School with the class of 1983 and joins the legal team representing Oliver North in the Iran-Contra trial soon after graduation.
By 2001

Williams & Connolly partner

Before joining Sony in 2001, she is a partner at Williams & Connolly in Washington, D.C., handling complex civil and criminal matters and defending President Bill Clinton during impeachment proceedings.
2001

Joining Sony as general counsel

She joins Sony Corporation of America in 2001 as Executive Vice President and General Counsel.
2012–2016

President of Sony Corporation of America

In 2012, she becomes President of Sony Corporation of America while continuing as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Sony Corporation. She steps down from her Sony roles at the end of March 2016.
2014–2023

WPP’s senior independent director

She joins WPP’s board as a non-executive director in January 2014 and becomes Senior Independent Director in April 2016. She steps down after the 2023 annual meeting.
March 2024–September 2024

OpenAI board and safety oversight

OpenAI appoints her to its board in March 2024. In September 2024, she serves on its Safety and Security Committee, which is set to become an independent board oversight group chaired by Zico Kolter.
As of October 2026

OpenAI Foundation board

In October 2026, she serves on the OpenAI Foundation board and on OpenAI’s board.

Career

Since 2026OpenAI FoundationBoard Member
Since 2024OpenAIBoard Member, Safety and Security Committee Member
2014–2023WPPNon-executive Director, Senior Independent Director
2012–2016SonyExecutive Vice President and General Counsel
Until 2001Williams & Connolly LLPPartner
2001–2016Sony Corporation of AmericaExecutive Vice President and General Counsel, President
1978–1980Asian Wall Street JournalAssociate Editorial Page Editor