DIASPORA AFRICAN Adebayo Ogunlesi: Nigerian-American Lawyer And Global Investment Banker By Harry Choms In 2016, Adebayo Ogunlesi received a significant nod when then-U.S. Presidentelect, Donald Trump, appointed him to a select group of business leaders. Tasked with providing frequent counsel on economic affairs, this assembly, dubbed the "President’s Strategic and Policy Forum," pooled the expertise of some of America’s most esteemed business minds to guide Trump’s administration towards its objectives. For many young folks, Ogunlesi 60 | www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
entered their consciousness through Burna Boy's track "Wonderful," released in 2020 as part of his Grammywinning album "Twice As Tall." In one verse, Burna Boy sings, "As I hustle like Adebayo Ogunlesi (No go talk say me I too lazy)," prompting curiosity among listeners to learn more about this influential figure. Fast forward to today, Ogunlesi garners attention once again for a commendable milestone: the acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), the private equity firm he founded and chairs, by BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager according to Bloomberg, for a staggering $12.5 billion. As per Reuters, BlackRock, currently overseeing $10 trillion across global markets, will fork out $3 billion in cash and 12 million BlackRock shares (equivalent to around $9.5 billion) to GIP, which presently manages assets exceeding $100 billion. This landmark deal not only cements his position but also sees him joining BlackRock’s board and global executive committee, as reported by Bloomberg. Susan Olorunfemi Peters, contributed to his education as a tutor at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos. His upbringing was steeped in Christian principles. Adebayo Ogunlesi pursued his education at esteemed institutions, including Harvard Law School, Harvard Business School, and King’s College, London. His academic journey culminated in his graduation from Lincoln College, Oxford, United Kingdom. Family Hailing from Sagamu, Ogun State, South West Nigeria, Ogunlesi is the son of the pioneering Prof. Theophilus O. Ogunlesi. In 1985, he tied the knot with Dr. Amelia Quist-Ogunlesi, a Britishborn optometrist who relocated to the United Ststes after establishing her practice in London. Their union is blessed with two children: Geoffrey Ogunlesi, a music executive, and Carl Ogunlesi, a music producer. Education Ogunlesi's academic prowess shone as he secured a first-class Philosophy, Politics, and Economics degree from Oxford University after attending King’s College, Lagos. Subsequently, he pursued a JD-MBA from Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School in 1979. Career During his studies, Ogunlesi ventured into Corporate Law with the New York City firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Following this, he served as a law clerk to Associate Justice Thurgood Marshall of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1980 to 1981. DIASPORA AFRICAN Columbia Bar Association. While working at Credit Suisse First Boston, he was a lecturer at Harvard Law School and the Yale School of Management, where he taught a course on Transnational Investment Projects in Emerging Countries. In October 2012, Ogunlesi was appointed to the Board of Directors at Goldman Sachs. On July 24, 2014, he was named Lead Director. In December 2016, it was announced that Ogunlesi, among other business leaders, would be part of Donald Trump’s Strategic and Policy Forum, which was disbanded on Aug 16, 2017. Membership Recognitions Harvard Business School: Member, Board of Dean’s Advisors; Harvard Law School: Member, Leadership Council of New York; Harvard University: Member, Global Advisory Council; NAACP Legal Defence and Educational Fund: Member, National Board of Directors; New York–Presbyterian Hospital: Member, Board of Trusteess; Partnership for New York City Fund: Member, Board of Directors; King’s College Old Boys Association: Member. Early Years & Education Born on December 20, 1953, in Makun, Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria, Adebayo Ogunlesi is a luminary in Law and Investment Banking, rooted in the rich heritage of Yoruba culture. His family boasts remarkable individuals, including Folasade Ogunlesi, a distinguished pediatric pulmonologist in Washington DC; Lanre Ogunlesi, the visionary behind Skin Beauty Cosmetics; Kayode Ogunlesi, cofounder of Skin Beauty Cosmetics; and Adegbola Ogunlesi, an industrialist and co-founder of the men’s fashion label, Sofisticat. His father, Prof. Theophilus O. Ogunlesi, etched his name in history as Nigeria’s first professor of Medicine at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. At the same time, his mother, In 1983, he delved into project finance at First Boston, advising on global transactions. His tenure at Credit Suisse saw him ascend to roles like Head of the Global Energy Group and Global Head of the Investment Banking Division. In 2006, he founded GIP, focusing on infrastructure investments worldwide. Under his stewardship, GIP acquired significant assets like London City Airport, London Gatwick Airport, Edinburgh Airport, and Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori. His stint at Goldman Sachs commenced in 2012, where he served as director before assuming the position of lead director in 2014. Noteworthy Acquisitions Ogunlesi is a member of the District of HARRY CHOMS AUTHOR’S BIO Harry Choms is a freelance writer with a passion for words and a keen eye for details, an editor, and an avid tech believer. His works can be seen on EntrepreneurNG. com, Imautomator, Secureblitz, Withinnigeria, Feelgospel, Kemifilani, and Glamsquad Magazine. He is the Webmaster and sole owner of Matrismart.com and biowiki.com.ng. www.theaccomplishmagazine.com | 61
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