OpenAI Board Appointment: BlackRock Executive Joins
BlackRock Executive Joins OpenAI Board
OpenAI has recently added a new member to its board of directors, bringing in an executive from the prominent investment firm, BlackRock.
Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi, currently a senior managing director at BlackRock and also serving as the CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners – a dedicated infrastructure investing platform – was announced as the newest board member by OpenAI on Tuesday.
Extensive Professional Background
Bret Taylor, chairman of the OpenAI board, stated that Ogunlesi possesses a remarkable history of achieving success within globally operating organizations.
He is known for skillfully managing intricate and evolving commercial environments.
Prior to his role at BlackRock, Ogunlesi dedicated 23 years to financial services at Credit Suisse.
During his tenure, he progressed through various roles, ultimately becoming executive vice chairman of Credit Suisse’s investment banking division.
Before entering the financial sector, Ogunlesi practiced law at the New York firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore.
He also served as a law clerk for Thurgood Marshall, a pioneering figure as the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
Current Board Memberships
Currently, Ogunlesi also holds positions on the boards of several other companies, including:
- BlackRock
- Topgolf Callaway Brands
- Kosmos Energy Holdings
- Terminal Investment Limited
Ogunlesi expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of AI, stating that its advancement presents a significant opportunity to shape a more positive future.
He emphasized the importance of strategic planning and infrastructure investment in realizing the full benefits of AI responsibly.
Board Transformation Following Recent Events
The composition of OpenAI’s current board differs substantially from its structure in late 2023.
The previous board had controversially dismissed CEO Sam Altman, only to reinstate him shortly after.
As a prerequisite for his return, Altman requested a complete overhaul of the board, a request that was ultimately fulfilled.
Current OpenAI Board Composition
Today, OpenAI’s board includes the following individuals:
- Bret Taylor
- Sam Altman
- Adam D’Angelo (CEO of Quora)
- Sue Desmond-Hellmann (CEO of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)
- Paul M. Nakasone (former NSA director)
- Nicole Seligman (former President of Sony Corporation of America)
- Fidji Simo (CEO of Instacart)
- Larry Summers (economist)
- Zico Kolter (computer scientist from Carnegie Mellon)
Adam D’Angelo is the only member who remained from the prior board.