Bayo Ogunlesi is a highly accomplished Nigerian-born lawyer and investment banker, known for his success in the world of infrastructure investing. He recently sold GIP to Blackrock making him a billionaire in dollars.
In just 17 years, GIP quietly amassed $105bn in assets and pioneered a booming $1tn sector that is one of the fastest growth segments of money management. BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink said Friday’s deal was “transformational” for the larger group’s ambitions in private markets.
Partnership with BlackRock
FILE PHOTO: The BlackRock logo is pictured outside their headquarters in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, U.S., May 25, 2021. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
The partnership will put Ogunlesi on BlackRock’s board and global executive committee, pushing the publicity-shy Nigerian-born financier into the spotlight.
It also cements his status as one of Wall Street’s wealthiest and most powerful figures. He and his GIP colleagues will collectively become the second largest shareholders of BlackRock, a nearly $120bn company.
Early Life and Education
Bayo Ogunlesi was born in 1953 in Lagos, Nigeria. He studied law at the University of Ibadan and Columbia Law School and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Beginning his career as a lawyer at Cravath, Swaine & Moore in New York City, he joined investment bank First Boston (now Credit Suisse) and rose to become head of global investment banking. In 2006, he founded Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a private equity firm focused on investing in infrastructure assets such as airports, ports, and energy projects.
He led GIP to become one of the world’s most successful infrastructure investors, with over $100 billion in assets under management.
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Accomplishments and Recognition:
- In 2012, appointed to the board of directors at Goldman Sachs. In 2014, named lead director of Goldman Sachs.
- In 2023, GIP was acquired by BlackRock in a $12.5 billion deal, making Ogunlesi a billionaire.
- Ogunlesi is widely respected for his business acumen, leadership skills, and commitment to Africa’s development.
Ogunlesi is a passionate advocate for education and philanthropy, and he has established several foundations to support these causes.
Conclusion
Bayo Ogunlesi is a remarkable individual who has achieved great success in the business world. He is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and a valuable asset to his community.
