Robert Hayes has joined the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as Acting Chief AI Officer (CAIO) and Acting Chief Data Officer (CDO). In these roles, he will lead efforts to modernize the agency’s AI and data capabilities, support inventors and businesses, and ensure responsible deployment of AI across the organization.

The USPTO, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, employs more than 13,000 staff and manages over $5 billion in annual fee-funded operations, overseeing patents and trademarks nationwide.

Bringing extensive experience in business transformation, technology, and AI, Hayes most recently led Revenue Operations at X from 2023 to 2025 and previously served as Chief Business Officer at Dow Jones from 2021 to 2023. His earlier roles include executive positions at NBCUniversal Media, Inc., Iconic Entertainment, Showtime Networks, and HBO.

“I’m incredibly energized by the mission and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the future of AI at this most important intersection of innovation,” Hayes said in a LinkedIn post.