Nigerian Billionaire Adebayo Ogunlesi Joins Openai's Board Of Directors
- Adebayo Ogunlesi joins OpenAIs board, bringing expertise in corporate finance, infrastructure investment, and global market strategy.
- Ogunlesis appointment follows GIPs 12.5 billion alliance with BlackRock, solidifying his influence in business and technology sectors.
- With a 1.7 billion net worth, Ogunlesi ranks 1,917th on Forbes wealth list, marking Nigerias growing global economic presence.
Nigerian billionaire Adebayo Ogunlesi has expanded his influence in the business and technology sectors, joining the board of directors at OpenAI, the American artificial intelligence research organization behind ChatGPT.
This appointment marks a significant step for Ogunlesi , reflecting his leadership and experience in shaping global infrastructure and corporate strategy.
Announcing the appointment, OpenAI stated: Were pleased to announce Adebayo Ogunlesi has joined our Board of Directors. As Founding Partner, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners GIP, one of the worlds 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.
OpenAI taps Ogunlesi after GIP dealThe company highlighted Ogunlesis extensive experience, particularly following GIPs landmark 12.5 billion deal with BlackRock in January 2024 , which established a leading multi-asset infrastructure investment platform.
OpenAI noted that his appointment enhances the boards capabilities in AI safety, cybersecurity, regulatory oversight, and economic governance, supporting the organizations mission to advance safe and beneficial artificial general intelligence AGI.