OpenAI has announced the appointment of Nigerian-born Adebayo Ogunlesi, a globally renowned businessman and investor, to its Board of Directors. Ogunlesi brings decades of leadership experience in corporate finance, infrastructure investment, and global market strategy.
Ogunlesi is the Founding Partner, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), one of the world’s leading infrastructure investment firms. He also serves as a Senior Managing Director at BlackRock. His addition to the OpenAI Board enhances its expertise across technical, AI safety, cybersecurity, regulatory, economic, nonprofit, and governance domains.
Strategic leadership for AI transformation
Ogunlesi’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to bolster OpenAI’s oversight and progress toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). His experience is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding the global transformation of AI infrastructure and fostering economic growth through innovation.
“Bayo has an exceptional track record of driving success in organizations with global reach, expertly navigating complex and dynamic commercial landscapes. We’re honored to welcome him to the Board,” said Bret Taylor, Chair of OpenAI’s Board.
In response to his appointment, Ogunlesi remarked:
“The rapid advancement and development of AI offers a unique opportunity to build a better future. As part of this, thoughtful strategies and investment in infrastructure will be key to unlocking AI’s full potential and delivering its benefits responsibly. I’m excited to contribute to this effort and look forward to being a part of the OpenAI Board.”
Ogunlesi’s distinguished career
Ogunlesi’s career spans leadership roles across investment banking, law, and academia:
Global Infrastructure Expertise: As the founder of GIP in 2006, Ogunlesi has led one of the premier platforms for infrastructure investing globally.
Credit Suisse Leadership: He spent 23 years at Credit Suisse, where he served in various senior positions, including Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Client Officer, and Head of the Global Investment Banking Division.
Legal and Academic Contributions: Ogunlesi was an attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore and served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. He also lectured at Harvard and Yale, teaching courses on transnational investment projects.
Educational Background and Board Roles
Ogunlesi holds a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Oxford University, as well as a J.D. and an M.B.A. from Harvard University.
He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Limited. He has also previously held the position of Lead Director at Goldman Sachs Group and remains an active member of advisory boards at Harvard Law and Business Schools.
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