Femi Ashekun/
OpenAI, the renowned artificial intelligence research organisation, has appointed Nigerian-born billionaire investor Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi to its Board of Directors.
Ogunlesi, the Founding Partner, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), brings extensive experience in corporate finance, infrastructure investment, and global market strategy to the board.
GIP, under Ogunlesi’s leadership, has managed over $100 billion in assets, including significant infrastructure projects like Britain’s Gatwick Airport and the Port of Melbourne.
His expertise is expected to be instrumental as OpenAI advances its mission toward artificial general intelligence (AGI) and navigates the global transformation of AI infrastructure.
Bret Taylor, Chair of OpenAI’s Board, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “Bayo has an exceptional track record of driving success in organisations with global reach, expertly navigating complex and dynamic commercial landscapes. We’re honoured to welcome him to the Board.”
Ogunlesi’s career spans several decades, including 23 years at Credit Suisse, where he held senior positions such as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of the Investment Banking Division. He also served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall and has lectured at Harvard and Yale Law Schools.
His appointment comes at a pivotal time for OpenAI, which is undergoing significant corporate restructuring and expansion to accelerate its growth amid increasing competition in the AI sector. OpenAI is transitioning into a for-profit entity to attract investment and support its rapid development.
Ogunlesi expressed his eagerness to contribute to OpenAI’s mission, stating, “The rapid advancement and development of AI offers a unique opportunity to build a better future. 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.”
This strategic addition to OpenAI’s leadership underscores the organisation’s commitment to leveraging global expertise as it continues to drive innovation in artificial intelligence.
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