Professional Summary
Professional Overview
James Owen is an accomplished Executive Business Partner with extensive experience supporting C-suite leaders and driving operational excellence across diverse industries. With a strong background in executive-level administration, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration, he currently serves as the Executive Business Partner in the Office of the CFO at OpenAI, a leading artificial intelligence research company. Additionally, he maintains a role as the Assistant to Co-Launcher Sarah Friar at Ladies Who Launch, a prominent organization dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Executive Business Partner - Office of the CFO, OpenAI (2024-07-01 to Present)
- Provide high-level strategic and operational support to the Chief Financial Officer, serving as a trusted advisor and key business partner
- Spearhead cross-functional initiatives, streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency to enable the CFO's strategic priorities
- Collaborate closely with the executive team to align financial and operational objectives, driving organizational growth and performance
Assistant to Co-Launcher Sarah Friar, Ladies Who Launch (2017-05-01 to Present)
- Support the co-founder of Ladies Who Launch in executing the organization's mission to empower and elevate female entrepreneurs
- Manage a wide range of administrative, project management, and event coordination responsibilities to ensure seamless operations
Career Progression
Sr. Executive Assistant to the CEO, Nextdoor (2018-12-01 to 2024-07-01)
- Served as a strategic business partner to the CEO, enabling effective decision-making and driving the execution of key initiatives
- Optimized workflows and implemented process improvements to enhance the CEO's productivity and the company's overall efficiency
Executive Operations - Office of the CFO, Square (2017-05-01 to 2018-11-01)
- Provided comprehensive operational and administrative support to the Chief Financial Officer and the Finance leadership team
- Played a crucial role in streamlining financial reporting processes and improving cross-departmental collaboration
Senior Executive Assistant to the President & CRO, New Relic, Inc. (2014-02-01 to 2017-05-01)
- Supported the President and Chief Revenue Officer in managing their schedules, coordinating executive-level meetings, and facilitating strategic planning
Academic Background
James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Areas of Expertise
- Executive-level administration and strategic support
- Cross-functional project management and operational optimization
- Financial reporting and analytical support
- Event planning and stakeholder engagement
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, project management tools, and CRM systems
Professional Impact
- Spearheaded the implementation of a new executive communication platform at Nextdoor, improving collaboration and information-sharing across the C-suite
- Played a pivotal role in the successful launch of a new product line at Square, contributing to the company's revenue growth
- Organized and executed high-profile events for Ladies Who Launch, fostering meaningful connections and opportunities for female entrepreneurs
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in supporting C-suite leaders, driving operational excellence, and contributing to organizational success, James Owen is a versatile and strategic business partner poised to make a significant impact in his current and future roles. His deep understanding of financial operations, project management, and cross-functional collaboration make him a valuable asset to any organization seeking to optimize its operations and achieve its strategic objectives.