SAN FRANCISCO — OpenAI is excited to announce the addition of Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi to its Board of Directors. With a distinguished career in infrastructure, finance, and global market strategy, Ogunlesi’s expertise will help propel OpenAI’s mission toward achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
Ogunlesi, who serves as Founding Partner, Chairman, and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), as well as Senior Managing Director at BlackRock, brings unparalleled leadership experience to the table. His vast knowledge spans corporate finance, investment, and market strategy, making him an invaluable asset to OpenAI’s governance. This appointment enhances the Board’s already strong mix of expertise across technical domains, AI safety, cybersecurity, regulation, economics, nonprofit leadership, and governance, fortifying the company’s ability to achieve its AGI ambitions.
“Mr. Ogunlesi’s experience and insight will play a crucial role as we steer the evolution of AI infrastructure, foster innovation, and contribute to global economic growth,” said Bret Taylor, Chair of OpenAI’s Board. “We’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”
Ogunlesi expressed his enthusiasm about joining OpenAI, noting, “The rapid pace of AI’s development presents a remarkable opportunity to shape a better future. Thoughtful investment and strategy, particularly in infrastructure, will be critical to unlocking AI’s full potential in a responsible manner. I look forward to contributing to OpenAI’s efforts and being part of its pioneering journey.”
Adebayo Ogunlesi is widely respected for his success as a businessman and investor. Before founding GIP in 2006, he spent 23 years at Credit Suisse, where he held several high-ranking positions, including Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of the Investment Banking Division. He also served as the Head of the Global Investment Banking Division and a member of the Executive Board and Management Committee.
Earlier in his career, Ogunlesi practiced law at Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York and clerked for the Honorable Thurgood Marshall, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He has taught courses on transnational investment projects at Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, and the Yale School of Management.
Mr. Ogunlesi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Oxford University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He serves on several prestigious boards, including those of BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Limited. Ogunlesi previously held the role of Lead Director at Goldman Sachs Group and currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Boards of both Harvard Law and Business Schools, in addition to being a member of the Harvard University Global Advisory Council.
