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.