Donald Trump picks Indian origin Sriram Krishnan as the senior policy advisor on AI; Know about him

President-elect Donald Trump has named Sriram Krishnan, an Indian origin entrepreneur and venture capitalist, as the Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). 

Krishnan, who has worked at several leading technology companies and co-hosts a podcast with his wife, will work closely with venture capitalist David Sacks, described by Trump as the incoming “White House AI & Crypto Czar.”

Role in the new administration

Trump announced the appointment alongside several other key postings. According to the president-elect, Krishnan will focus on advancing American leadership in AI, coordinating policy across government agencies, and working closely with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

I am pleased to announce the brilliant Team that will be working in conjunction with our White House A.I. & Crypto Czar, David O. Sacks. Together, we will unleash scientific breakthroughs, ensure America's technological dominance, and usher in a Golden Age of American Innovation!…

— Trump Posts on 𝕏 (@trump_repost) December 22, 2024

Sacks shared Trump’s announcement on social media, praising the “extraordinary team” of “amazing talent” the president-elect has recruited.

Some important announcements today by President Trump on his Tech Team! I look forward to working with:
-- Michael Kratsios - Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and an Assistant to the President for Science and Technology.
-- Dr. Lynne… https://t.co/zai4a61VVC

— David Sacks (@DavidSacks) December 22, 2024

Krishnan later posted on X, "I'm honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI working closely with @DavidSacks . Thank you @realDonaldTrump for this opportunity."

🇺🇸 I'm honored to be able to serve our country and ensure continued American leadership in AI working closely with @DavidSacks.

Thank you @realDonaldTrump for this opportunity. pic.twitter.com/kw1n0IKK2a

— Sriram Krishnan (@sriramk) December 22, 2024

Early life and education

Krishnan was born and raised in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He completed his studies in software engineering at SRM Valliammai Engineering College in Kattankulathur, near Chennai.

Both he and his wife, Aarthi Ramamurthy, come from what they describe as “typical middle-class Indian upbringings.” Krishnan and Ramamurthy met during college in 2003 and later moved to the U.S.

They host a show called The Aarthi and Sriram Show on YouTube and podcast platforms, featuring in-depth conversations with successful entrepreneurs and tech leaders. The couple previously hosted The Good Time Show on the social audio app Clubhouse, which gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Krishnan's career in tech giants

Krishnan began his career at Microsoft, where he was part of the founding team for Windows Azure, focusing on APIs and services. He later wrote a book on the platform, Programming Windows Azure, published by O’Reilly. After Microsoft, Krishnan took on roles at Yahoo!, Facebook, Snap, and Twitter (now X).

During his time at Twitter, he worked with tech entrepreneur Elon Musk on restructuring the platform. In 2021, Krishnan became a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a venture capital firm that has invested in companies such as Clubhouse.

He led the firm’s first international office in London in 2023. An active startup investor, Krishnan has advised Indian fintech firm Cred and other high-growth ventures.