OpenAI has announced a significant addition to its board of directors, appointing Adebayo "Bayo" Ogunlesi, a senior managing director at BlackRock and CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners. This appointment reflects OpenAI's strategic vision to leverage the expertise of leaders in global finance and infrastructure as it navigates the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Bret Taylor, OpenAI's board chairman, confirmed Ogunlesi's appointment, emphasizing the value of his extensive experience in driving success across diverse international ventures.
Ogunlesi's impressive career spans over two decades at Credit Suisse, where he held multiple pivotal roles, including executive vice chairman of the investment banking division. His professional journey also includes tenures on the boards of prestigious organizations such as BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Limited. Ogunlesi's legal background features time spent at the New York law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore and serving as a law clerk to Thurgood Marshall, the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice.
The current composition of OpenAI's board marks a departure from its late 2023 iteration, which experienced significant upheaval, leading to the temporary ousting and subsequent reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman. Today, alongside Taylor and Altman, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo remains the only member from that period. They are joined by notable figures such as Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO Sue Desmond-Hellmann, former NSA director Paul M. Nakasone, former Sony Corporation of America President Nicole Seligman, Instacart CEO Fidji Simo, economist Larry Summers, and Carnegie Mellon computer scientist Zico Kolter.
Ogunlesi expressed his enthusiasm for joining the board, noting the potential for AI to create transformative opportunities for the future. He highlighted the importance of strategic planning and infrastructure investment to fully realize AI's capabilities and ensure its benefits are responsibly harnessed.
"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." – Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi
Bret Taylor praised Ogunlesi for his outstanding global expertise and ability to adeptly manage complex commercial environments.
"an exceptional track record of driving success in organizations with global reach, expertly navigating complex, and dynamic commercial landscapes." – Bret Taylor
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