OpenAI has named Adebayo Ogunlesi, a senior managing director at BlackRock Inc., to its board of directors, marking a significant addition as the company ramps up its infrastructure and energy resources to support the demands of advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Widely recognized for his expertise in infrastructure investments, Ogunlesi brings decades of leadership experience to the San Francisco-based AI leader. Before joining BlackRock, he led Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which was acquired by BlackRock in a $12 billion deal last year, elevating him to billionaire status.
OpenAI welcomed Ogunlesi, highlighting his extensive expertise. “We’re pleased to announce Adebayo ‘Bayo’ Ogunlesi has joined our Board of Directors,” the statement read. “As Founding Partner, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), one of the world’s premier infrastructure investing platforms, and a Senior Managing Director at BlackRock, Mr. Ogunlesi brings deep leadership experience and expertise across corporate finance, infrastructure investment, and global market strategy.”
OpenAI noted that Ogunlesi’s appointment enhances the board’s depth in critical domains such as AI safety, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, economics, nonprofit governance, and technical innovation. His role will be instrumental as OpenAI strives to oversee its progress toward artificial general intelligence (AGI).
The appointment aligns with OpenAI’s strategic efforts to secure both public and private sector support for its high-cost infrastructure initiatives. Last year, the company unveiled an “economic blueprint” emphasizing the importance of AI infrastructure investments to sustain the U.S.’s competitive edge against global rivals like China.
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Ogunlesi joins OpenAI at a crucial juncture. The company has been undergoing leadership restructuring since CEO Sam Altman’s brief ouster in late 2024. With his addition, the board now comprises ten directors, including Altman, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, Instacart CEO Fidji Simo, and retired U.S. Army General Paul Nakasone.
Ogunlesi’s expertise is expected to play a vital role as OpenAI considers transitioning from its nonprofit status to a public benefit corporation. This potential shift could unlock new investment opportunities but would require careful coordination among the board, investors, and regulators.
The move stresses OpenAI’s commitment to scaling operations while maintaining its leadership in the global AI landscape. As the race for AI dominance accelerates, Ogunlesi’s infrastructure acumen positions the company to navigate the logistical and financial challenges tied to developing cutting-edge systems.
