OpenAI has appointed Adebayo Ogunlesi, a senior managing director at BlackRock, to its board as it shifts to a for-profit model.

Ogunlesi is also a founding partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which was acquired by BlackRock in 2023 for US$12 billion.

In a statement, Ogunlesi emphasized the role of infrastructure investment in the responsible growth of AI technologies.

His appointment follows notable changes to OpenAI’s board in late 2023, which included the brief ousting and reinstatement of chief executive officer Sam Altman.

Ogunlesi also holds board positions at BlackRock, Topgolf Callaway Brands, Kosmos Energy Holdings, and Terminal Investment Ltd.