OpenAI has welcomed Adebayo Ogunlesi, a senior managing director at BlackRock Inc., to its board of directors.

Ogunlesi is well-regarded for his expertise in infrastructure investments, and his appointment aligns with the San Francisco-based AI company's efforts to enhance its data center and energy capabilities to accommodate the increasing demands of advanced artificial intelligence systems.

He brings extensive experience to the role, having previously led Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) prior to its $12 billion acquisition by BlackRock last year, a transaction that significantly increased his wealth.

In a statement released on Tuesday, OpenAI expressed its enthusiasm about Ogunlesi's appointment, stating, “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 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.”  

The recent appointment aligns with OpenAI's overarching strategy to garner support from both public and private sectors for expensive infrastructure initiatives.

Last year, the organization introduced an "economic blueprint" that highlighted the urgent need for investment in AI infrastructure to preserve the United States' competitive advantage over China. Ogunlesi steps into OpenAI at a critical moment, as the company has been undergoing leadership restructuring following CEO Sam Altman's brief removal in late 2024. 

With Ogunlesi now on board, the board comprises ten directors, including Altman, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, Instacart CEO Fidji Simo, and retired U.S. Army General Paul Nakasone. Ogunlesi's position will be vital as OpenAI considers a possible shift from its current nonprofit model to a public benefit corporation.

This transition could facilitate increased investment opportunities but necessitates careful collaboration among the board, investors, and regulatory bodies. This move underscores OpenAI's dedication to expanding its operations while retaining its leadership role in the AI sector. Ogunlesi's expertise in infrastructure will enable the company to more effectively tackle the logistical and financial hurdles associated with advancing state-of-the-art AI technologies. As the global competition for AI supremacy intensifies, OpenAI's strategic choices—both in governance and infrastructure—will significantly influence the future landscape of the technology industry.