Adebayo Ogunlesi Joins OpenAI’s Board of Directors Adebayo Ogunlesi Joins OpenAI’s Board of Directors

Adebayo Ogunlesi Joins OpenAI’s Board of Directors | OpenAI

Skip to main content

[](https://openai.com/)

* Research

* Products

* Business

* Developers

* Company

* Foundation(opens in a new window)

Log inTry ChatGPT(opens in a new window)

Try ChatGPT(opens in a new window)Login

OpenAI

January 14, 2025

Company

Adebayo Ogunlesi joins OpenAI’s Board of Directors

Ogunlesi brings global expertise in infrastructure, finance, and strategy to advance our mission toward AGI.

We’re pleased to announce Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi has joined our Board of Directors. 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. This appointment further complements the Board’s depth across technical, AI safety, cybersecurity, regulatory, economic, nonprofit and governance domains, strengthening its ability to oversee the company's progress toward AGI.

Mr. Ogunlesi’s counsel will be invaluable as we navigate the global transformation of AI infrastructure, drive innovation, and foster economic growth.

“Bayo has an exceptional track record of driving success in organizations with global reach, expertly navigating complex and dynamic commercial landscapes. We’re honored to welcome him to the Board,” said Bret Taylor, Chair of OpenAI’s Board.

“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. I’m excited to contribute to this effort and look forward to being a part of the OpenAI Board,” said Bayo Ogunlesi.

Adebayo Ogunlesiis a globally recognized businessman and investor. Prior to the formation of GIP in 2006, Mr. Ogunlesi spent 23 years at Credit Suisse where he held several senior positions, including Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of its Investment Banking Division. From 2002 to 2004, he was Head of the Global Investment Banking Division and a Member of the Executive Board and Management Committee.

Previously, Mr. Ogunlesi was an attorney with the New York law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore. He also served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Thurgood Marshall, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He has been a Lecturer at the Harvard and Yale Law Schools and the Yale School of Management where he taught courses on transnational investment projects.

Mr. Ogunlesi holds a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He is a member of the Boards of Directors of BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings and Terminal Investment Limited. He was previously the Lead Director of Goldman Sachs Group. He is a Member of the Dean’s Advisory Boards of the Harvard Law and Business Schools and the Harvard University Global Advisory Council.

We’re pleased to announce Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi has joined our Board of Directors. 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. This appointment further complements the Board’s depth across technical, AI safety, cybersecurity, regulatory, economic, nonprofit and governance domains, strengthening its ability to oversee the company's progress toward AGI.

Mr. Ogunlesi’s counsel will be invaluable as we navigate the global transformation of AI infrastructure, drive innovation, and foster economic growth.

“Bayo has an exceptional track record of driving success in organizations with global reach, expertly navigating complex and dynamic commercial landscapes. We’re honored to welcome him to the Board,” said Bret Taylor, Chair of OpenAI’s Board.

Author

Adebayo Ogunlesiis a globally recognized businessman and investor. Prior to the formation of GIP in 2006, Mr. Ogunlesi spent 23 years at Credit Suisse where he held several senior positions, including Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Client Officer of its Investment Banking Division. From 2002 to 2004, he was Head of the Global Investment Banking Division and a Member of the Executive Board and Management Committee.

Previously, Mr. Ogunlesi was an attorney with the New York law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore. He also served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Thurgood Marshall, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He has been a Lecturer at the Harvard and Yale Law Schools and the Yale School of Management where he taught courses on transnational investment projects.

Mr. Ogunlesi holds a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University, a J.D. from Harvard Law School and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. He is a member of the Boards of Directors of BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings and Terminal Investment Limited. He was previously the Lead Director of Goldman Sachs Group. He is a Member of the Dean’s Advisory Boards of the Harvard Law and Business Schools and the Harvard University Global Advisory Council.

* Culture & Careers

* Community

* 2025

Author

OpenAI