Adebayo Ogunlesi Joins OpenAI Board of Directors Amid Strategic Shift to For-Profit Model
OpenAI (Artificially Intelligence) has announced that Adebayo Ogunlesi, a senior managing director at BlackRock and founding partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), will join its board of directors. This move marks another step in OpenAI’s transition from its original nonprofit structure to a public benefit corporation, allowing it to operate more like a high-growth startup.
Ogunlesi’s Extensive Background in Finance and Infrastructure
Adebayo Ogunlesi brings a wealth of experience to OpenAI. Before co-founding GIP, an infrastructure investment firm acquired by BlackRock in 2022 for $12 billion, he spent 23 years at Credit Suisse. His deep knowledge of infrastructure investment and corporate strategy positions him to play a key role in OpenAI’s vision of responsibly scaling artificial intelligence (AI).
In a statement, He said:
“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.”
OpenAI’s Transition to a For-Profit Model
Founded in 2015 as a nonprofit, OpenAI has made significant changes in its structure and leadership in recent years. In late 2023, the company announced its transformation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). This allows OpenAI to raise capital and pursue commercial opportunities while maintaining a nonprofit arm focused on charitable activities in sectors such as health care, education, and science.
Netanyahu and Smotrich Discuss Gaza Ceasefire Amid Coalition Tensions
The move has not been without controversy. Co-founder Elon Musk is currently suing OpenAI to halt its shift to a for-profit structure. Despite this, OpenAI has continued to grow, reaching a valuation of $157 billion in 2023, thanks to its advancements in generative AI tools and large language models.
Ogunlesi joins a significantly revamped OpenAI board, which has undergone major changes since late 2023. Following a brief and dramatic ousting of CEO Sam Altman, who was quickly reinstated, several high-profile figures joined the board:
- Bret Taylor, former Salesforce co-CEO and ex-chairman of Twitter, now serves as board chair.
- Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury secretary, also joined during this period.
- Additional board members include Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart, and Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Ogunlesi’s Broader Leadership Roles
In addition to his new role at OpenAI, Ogunlesi serves on the boards of BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Ltd.
Why This Matters
Ogunlesi’s appointment underscores OpenAI’s focus on scaling its operations responsibly while addressing the infrastructure and strategy challenges that come with rapid AI development. His expertise will likely influence how OpenAI balances its commercial goals with its mission to create a positive and sustainable impact on society.
