OpenAI Welcomes Adebayo Ogunlesi to Its Board
OpenAI, a pioneer in artificial intelligence, has announced the appointment of Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi to its board of directors. Ogunlesi is a senior managing director at BlackRock and the CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners, a renowned infrastructure investing platform. His addition to OpenAI’s board comes as part of the company’s strategic move to strengthen its leadership team.
Bret Taylor, chairman of OpenAI’s board, praised Ogunlesi’s remarkable track record, stating that he has “an exceptional ability to drive success in globally reaching organizations while adeptly navigating complex commercial landscapes.”
Ogunlesi’s Distinguished Career Path
Ogunlesi brings with him a wealth of experience from his 23-year tenure at Credit Suisse, where he held several key positions, including executive vice chairman of their investment banking division. His career began in law, where he worked at the prestigious New York law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Notably, he served as a law clerk to Thurgood Marshall, the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
In addition to his new role at OpenAI, Ogunlesi serves on the boards of several corporations, including BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Limited.
“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,” Ogunlesi stated in a recent press release.
Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi
The Evolution of OpenAI’s Board
OpenAI’s board has undergone significant changes since late 2023. The reshaping of the board was one of the conditions under which Sam Altman returned as CEO after a brief departure. Today’s board comprises diverse and influential leaders such as Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo (the only remaining member from the previous board), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann, former NSA director Paul M. Nakasone, former Sony Corporation of America President Nicole Seligman, Instacart CEO Fidji Simo, economist Larry Summers, and Carnegie Mellon computer scientist Zico Kolter.
Looking Towards the Future
The inclusion of experts like Ogunlesi signals OpenAI’s commitment to harnessing AI’s potential with strategic foresight and responsible governance. As AI technology continues to evolve rapidly, having seasoned professionals on its board ensures that OpenAI is well-positioned to navigate both opportunities and challenges in the dynamic landscape ahead.
