Benin City, Edo State
Adebayo “Bayo” Ogunlesi, a highly accomplished individual with degrees from Oxford and Harvard, along with an impressive career in investment banking, is set to become a billionaire through the $12.5 billion acquisition of his firm, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), by BlackRock Inc.
Ogunlesi, known for his down-to-earth demeanor, rose through the ranks in the banking world, eventually leading Credit Suisse’s investment-banking division. His decision to shift to infrastructure investments resulted in the founding of GIP in 2006, attracting seasoned professionals from Credit Suisse. Over the years, GIP has made significant investments in airports, wind farms, power plants, and more.
Truth Live News gathered that, as the CEO of GIP, Ogunlesi holds an estimated 17.5% stake in the firm, valuing his fortune at approximately $2.3 billion. The recent acquisition by BlackRock positions him as a billionaire. The deal, comprising $3 billion in cash and BlackRock shares, also makes Ogunlesi and five other co-founders the second-largest shareholders in BlackRock.
Beyond his financial success, Ogunlesi is a prominent figure in New York’s high society, hosting lavish parties in the Hamptons attended by influential individuals like Steve Schwarzman and James Gorman. His extensive network is evident through engagements with figures such as Henry Kravis and involvement in White House meetings.
Ogunlesi’s trajectory includes roles as lead independent director at Goldman Sachs and a position on Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.’s board. He has also played a role in presidential administrations, serving on Donald Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum and chairing Joe Biden’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council.
Despite his achievements, Ogunlesi remains humble, recalling his days as one of a few international students at Harvard’s law school. He humorously reflects on Harvard’s expectation that international students would return to their countries, become wealthy, and endow chairs. Ogunlesi, however, didn’t follow that path, and his success story is now etched in the $12.5 billion deal with BlackRock.
This acquisition not only solidifies Ogunlesi’s financial standing but also highlights his significant contributions to the infrastructure investment sector, making him a notable player in the global financial landscape.