OpenAI Adds BlackRock’s Adebayo Ogunlesi to Board as AI infrastructure push intensifies

OpenAI includes Blackrock Inc. executive Adebayo Ogunlesi on its board of directors. The AI startup is hoping to use his expertise to advance the development of its artificial intelligence infrastructure. 

The company is prioritizing its resources on data centers and new energy resources.

Ogunlesi earns another board position after joining Blackrock just last year

Adebayo Ogunlesi joined Blackrock Inc. last year after they acquired his company, Global Infrastructure Partners, for about $12 billion. After that acquisition, Ogunlesi became worth about $2.3 billion and is currently Blackrock’s Senior Managing Director and a board member.

Before founding Global Infrastructure Partners, Ogunlesi worked for more than twenty years at Credit Suisse, an investment banking company.

Not to mention, he holds other board positions at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Ltd.

Now, OpenAI wants to use Ogunlesi’s experience to better itself, inviting him to join its board of directors. OpenAI has been trying to acquire more data centers and energy resources to grow its infrastructure; at this time, calling Ogunlesi might help.

On Tuesday, Ogunlesi shared his willingness to work with the AI startup: 

As part of this, 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.

Adebayo Ogunlesi

OpenAI began restructuring its board in late 2023, adding two new members in 2024: Instacart CEO Fidji Simo and Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann, former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, now known as the Gates Foundation.

OpenAI is planning to launch new AI projects in the coming months

OpenAI has increasingly invested in new infrastructure projects, asking for funding from the private and public sectors. According to Joe Dominguez, CEO of Constellation Energy Corporation, CEO Altman wants to build five to seven data centers, each 5GW.

Another source claimed that Open AI wants to devote its attention to a single data center before potentially expanding to others.

Besides, the AI startup is still planning to host several events in Washington, D.C., and two key swing states to rally support and investments. The company has also planned its “economic blueprint” for AI this January, calling on public and private sectors to collaborate in AI developments to ensure the US stays ahead of China.

The company is also set to announce new AI projects in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Alabama in the coming months.