OpenAI has announced the appointment of billionaire investor and prominent Wall Street figure Adebayo Ogunlesi to its board. Known for his expertise in navigating complex business challenges, Ogunlesi brings a wealth of experience as the artificial intelligence company embarks on a critical phase of corporate restructuring and global expansion.
Ogunlesi is the co-founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and a seasoned advisor to major corporations, including Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway and energy company Hess. He also previously served as lead independent director at Goldman Sachs, guiding the investment bank through significant regulatory and legal challenges after the 2008 financial crisis.
This strategic addition to OpenAI’s board comes as the San Francisco-based company, valued at $150 billion, transitions into a public benefit corporation—a for-profit model designed to attract investors while retaining its mission to benefit society. The move is aimed at scaling operations and meeting the increasing demand for AI-driven solutions amid rising competition.
A Vision for Infrastructure and Growth
In October, Ogunlesi partnered with BlackRock to launch a $30 billion fund backed by Microsoft, Nvidia, and Abu Dhabi investors, focusing on developing data centers and power infrastructure critical to the growth of AI. Speaking about his new role at OpenAI, Ogunlesi emphasized the importance of strategic investments in infrastructure to unlock AI’s potential responsibly.
“I look forward to contributing to OpenAI’s efforts to use AI to build a better future,” Ogunlesi said in a blog post. “Thoughtful strategies and investment in infrastructure will be key to delivering AI’s benefits responsibly.”
Bret Taylor, OpenAI board chair and former Salesforce CEO, lauded Ogunlesi’s “exceptional track record of driving success in global organizations” and his ability to navigate dynamic commercial landscapes. Ogunlesi joins a high-profile board that includes Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary; Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellman, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Nicole Seligman, former president of Sony; and Fidji Simo, CEO of Instacart.
Restructuring and Challenges
Ogunlesi’s appointment follows a turbulent period for OpenAI, including the ousting and subsequent reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman in November 2023. Altman resumed his board position in March 2024 after an independent review, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing the company’s mission under a unified leadership team.
However, OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit entity has faced criticism. Notably, Elon Musk, an early co-founder and backer of OpenAI, has voiced opposition, with his legal team urging regulators to compel OpenAI to sell off a significant stake. Delaware Attorney-General Kathleen Jennings has requested further details about the restructuring to ensure it aligns with public interest.
Despite these challenges, OpenAI remains focused on its long-term vision. The company stated in December that the shift to a for-profit model would create “one of the best-resourced non-profits in history,” amplifying investor contributions to societal benefit.
As OpenAI positions itself for future growth, Ogunlesi’s experience in infrastructure and strategic investments is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping its trajectory in the competitive AI landscape.
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OpenAI appoints one of Wall Street’s most powerful dealmakers to its board