Nicholas Butts

Nicholas Butts is a prominent figure in the field of technology policy, currently serving as the Director of Global Cybersecurity and AI/Emerging Technology Policy at Microsoft.13 His career spans the intersection of business, technology, and policy, with a focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Professional Background

Prior to joining Microsoft, Butts held several notable positions:

• Director of Business Development and Head of Partnerships at Faculty AI1
• Various policy and strategy roles at HP Inc., including leading government relations and trade teams1
• Coordinated HP's response to the US-China trade war1

At HP, he engaged with policymakers worldwide, including the White House, European Commission, and Chinese leaders.1

Expertise and Initiatives

Butts is recognized for his expertise in geopolitics and technology policy:

• Co-founder of Geotech Advisory, where he advises policymakers, investors, Fortune 500 companies, and startups on tech policy1
• Senior advisor at Artisse AI1
• CSIS Young Leader1
• Member of the Harvard Kennedy School Fund Executive Council1

His work at Microsoft involves leading AI and cybersecurity policy initiatives.1 Butts has expressed that he joined Microsoft to work on impactful projects with top professionals in the cyber and AI fields.4

Education

Nicholas Butts has an impressive educational background:

• Studied at Sciences Po Paris1
• Graduate degrees from Peking University, London School of Economics, and Harvard University1
• At Harvard, he was a Crown Prince Frederik Fellow and Cheng Fellow1

Recent Activities

Butts has been actively involved in discussions on global technology and geopolitics:

• Participated in the Hili Forum 2024, discussing "Geotech: A New Reality?" alongside UAE officials56
• Contributed to Microsoft's Digital Defense Report4
• Co-authored the book "Tech Cold War: The Geopolitics of Technology," set to be published in December 20242

Nicholas Butts continues to be a prominent voice in the evolving landscape of global technology policy, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.