xAI Hires Former Morgan Stanley Banker Anthony Armstrong As CFO
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, has officially named former Morgan Stanley banker Anthony Armstrong as CFO, according to a recent Financial Times report. The move marks a significant step in Musk’s efforts to strengthen xAI’s leadership team after months of high-profile executive departures.
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A Strategic Hire To Steady xAI’s Finances
Armstrong, who once advised Musk during his Twitter acquisition, will now oversee the financial operations of both xAI and X — the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The two entities merged in April, aligning Musk’s AI ambitions with his social platform ecosystem.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Armstrong has already been working closely with the xAI team for several weeks before officially stepping into the CFO role.
Filling A Leadership Gap After Key Departures
xAI has been without a permanent finance chief since Mike Liberatore’s departure in July. The appointment of Armstrong signals Musk’s intent to stabilize the company’s leadership amid a wave of executive exits.
In recent months, xAI’s general counsel Robert Keele and senior lawyer Raghu Rao both left the company. Additionally, Igor Babuschkin, one of xAI’s co-founders, announced plans to launch his own AI safety-focused venture capital firm in August.
These changes have raised questions about the company’s internal stability, but Armstrong’s arrival could help reassure investors and employees alike that xAI is refocusing on growth and operational clarity.
Why Anthony Armstrong’s Appointment Matters
With his extensive background at Morgan Stanley, Armstrong brings deep expertise in corporate finance, mergers, and large-scale tech deals. His prior collaboration with Musk during the Twitter buyout provides a foundation of trust — an asset Musk often values highly in his inner circle.
As xAI continues to develop Grok, its AI chatbot integrated into X, financial oversight and structured growth strategies will be critical. Armstrong’s role could shape how xAI manages funding, partnerships, and AI product expansion.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next For xAI
Elon Musk has been vocal about his ambition to position xAI as a leading player in generative AI, competing with industry giants like OpenAI and Anthropic. The appointment of Anthony Armstrong as CFO not only signals renewed focus on financial discipline but also underscores Musk’s broader strategy to integrate AI deeply within his tech ecosystem.
With new leadership in place, xAI could soon move toward larger funding rounds and accelerated product development — marking a new chapter in Musk’s ever-evolving AI empire.
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