Nigeria’s Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi has joined OpenAI’s Board of Directors. As the Founding Partner, Chairman, and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), one of the world’s leading infrastructure investment firms, and a Senior Managing Director at BlackRock, Mr. Ogunlesi brings extensive leadership experience in corporate finance, infrastructure investment, and global market strategy. According to a statement by OpenAI, his appointment enhances the Board’s collective expertise in areas such as AI safety, cybersecurity, regulation, economics, governance, and nonprofit work, bolstering its ability to guide OpenAI’s efforts toward achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI).
“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.
“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,” said Ogunlesi.
A globally recognized businessman and investor, Mr. Ogunlesi founded GIP in 2006 after a distinguished 23-year career at Credit Suisse, where he held several senior positions, including Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of the Investment Banking Division. Between 2002 and 2004, he served as Head of the Global Investment Banking Division and a member of the Executive Board and Management Committee.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Ogunlesi was an attorney at the law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore and served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. He has also taught at Harvard and Yale Law Schools, as well as at the Yale School of Management, specializing in transnational investment projects.
Mr. Ogunlesi holds a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Oxford University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He currently serves on the boards of BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Limited, and has previously been the Lead Director of Goldman Sachs Group. He is also a member of the Dean’s Advisory Boards at both Harvard Law and Business Schools, as well as the Harvard University Global Advisory Council. The 71-year-old was born in Sagamu, Ogun State, in South-West Nigeria.
