OpenAI has announced the appointment of Adebayo Ogunlesi, a seasoned expert in infrastructure investments and a senior managing director at BlackRock Inc., as one of its board of directors. This move comes as OpenAI strengthens its focus on expanding data center and energy resources to meet the increasing demands of advanced artificial intelligence systems.
Ogunlesi is widely recognized for his expertise in global infrastructure and corporate finance. Before joining BlackRock, he served as the founding partner, chairman, and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), one of the leading infrastructure investment platforms globally. His leadership at GIP culminated in its $12 billion acquisition by BlackRock, a deal that significantly bolstered his reputation and financial standing.
In its announcement, OpenAI highlighted Ogunlesi’s extensive experience across corporate finance, infrastructure investment, and global market strategy. The statement read “We’re pleased to welcome Adebayo ‘Bayo’ Ogunlesi to our Board of Directors. His expertise in leadership, infrastructure investment, and market strategy will be invaluable as we advance toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).”
OpenAI emphasized that Ogunlesi’s addition will complement the board’s collective strengths across technical, AI safety, cybersecurity, regulatory, economic, and governance domains, ensuring robust oversight as the company scales its operations. Ogunlesi’s appointment aligns with OpenAI’s vision of advancing AGI responsibly while addressing the growing demand for scalable infrastructure. As AI systems become more complex, the need for robust data centers and sustainable energy solutions is paramount.
Ogunlesi’s track record of managing large-scale infrastructure projects positions him as a key asset in navigating these challenges. His strategic insights will likely play a pivotal role in ensuring that OpenAI’s infrastructure evolves in step with its technological innovations.
