Recently, OpenAI announced the appointment of Adebayo Ogunlesi, an executive from BlackRock, to its board of directors. Ogunlesi is currently a senior managing director at BlackRock, serving as president and CEO, and also holds the position of CEO at Global Infrastructure Partners. This appointment adds a leader with extensive experience in the global business environment to OpenAI's expanding board.
Ogunlesi worked for 23 years at Credit Suisse, where he held several key positions, including executive vice chairman of the investment banking division. Prior to that, he worked at the law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York, and he was also a law clerk for Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice. In addition to his role on OpenAI's board, Ogunlesi serves on the boards of companies such as BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Limited.
In a press release, Ogunlesi stated that the rapid development of artificial intelligence presents a unique opportunity to build a better future. He emphasized that thoughtful strategy and investment in infrastructure are crucial for unlocking the full potential of AI and responsibly realizing its benefits. He expressed excitement about contributing to OpenAI's work and looks forward to making an impact on the board.
It is noteworthy that OpenAI's board underwent significant changes at the end of 2023, following the controversial dismissal of former CEO Sam Altman, who was reinstated just days later. As a condition for his return, Altman requested a reorganization of the board, which was ultimately granted.
The current board members include board chair Bret Taylor, Altman, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Sue Desmond-Hellmann, former NSA director Paul M. Nakasone, former president of Sony Pictures Nicole Seligman, Instacart CEO Fidji Simo, economist Larry Summers, and Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist Zico Kolter. In the restructured board, D’Angelo is the only member who continues to serve.
Key Points:
🌟 OpenAI appoints BlackRock executive Adebayo Ogunlesi as a new board member.
💼 Ogunlesi has 23 years of extensive experience in the financial industry, previously serving as executive vice chairman of investment banking at Credit Suisse.
🔄 OpenAI's board was recently restructured to address CEO Sam Altman's demands for his return.
