OpenAI Appoints BlackRock Exec Adebayo Ogunlesi to Board of Directors

OpenAI has announced the addition of Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi, a senior managing director at BlackRock, to its board of directors. Ogunlesi, who also serves as CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners, a platform for infrastructure investments, brings a wealth of experience to the AI firm.  OpenAI’s board chairman, Bret Taylor, praised Ogunlesi for his exceptional record of success in global organizations and his ability to navigate dynamic commercial landscapes. Ogunlesi’s career includes 23 years at Credit Suisse, where he held various roles, including executive vice chairman of the investment banking division.  In addition to his work at BlackRock, Ogunlesi serves on the boards of several companies, including Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Limited. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity to contribute to OpenAI’s mission, particularly in the areas of AI development and infrastructure.  Ogunlesi emphasized that thoughtful strategies and investment in infrastructure will be crucial for unlocking AI’s full potential and ensuring its responsible deployment. OpenAI’s current board is significantly different from the one that existed in late 2023 when a board dispute led to the temporary dismissal and reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman. As part of his return, Altman demanded changes to the board, which now includes several prominent figures such as Altman, Taylor, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, and economist Larry Summers. Ogunlesi’s appointment marks a further shift in OpenAI’s leadership, with his expertise expected to help shape the company’s future direction.