Security needs have transformed dramatically in recent years, with threats becoming more sophisticated and varied. Jack Byrd III, CEO of Nashville-based Solaren Risk Management, has developed a tactic that balances traditional security expertise with technological advancement.
“The company kind of skyrocketed as soon as it started,” explains Bethany Gill, Solaren’s chief operations officer. “Jack has a lot of connections. He knows the industry. He’s definitely a professional when it comes to security. He knows the ins and outs of the law and the regulations and who to talk to about what.”
This foundation of industry knowledge has allowed Byrd to recognize which security technologies truly add value and which might create false confidence. Under his direction, Solaren has grown from a two-person operation to employing over 300 contractors across the Southeast.
Combining Human Expertise With Technology
Jack Byrd’s approach to modern security emphasizes that technology should enhance rather than replace human judgment. “A lot of people think that it takes away from the physical security aspect, but it really doesn’t. If anything, it supplements it,” Gill notes. “You still have to have somebody that audits what that AI is detecting. It still makes mistakes.”
The company has embraced mobile surveillance systems through a partnership with LiveView Technologies. These solar-powered trailers equipped with cameras, speakers, and AI detection capabilities provide security coverage for large areas that would be difficult to patrol continuously.
“It’s AI detects even from pretty far away. It’ll detect a face and it’ll be like, ‘Oh, this is past certain hours that they put in our system as work hours,’” Gill explains. The system then activates a customized warning message through its speakers.
Communication technology has also transformed how Solaren operates. The company’s transitioned from traditional landlines to mobile-based phone systems. “Everything that we use for our phone and communication is mobile-based because all of our operations team is out in the field almost all the time,” says Gill.
Addressing Emerging Threats
Byrd’s positioned Solaren to respond to newer security concerns, including cybersecurity. “Our CEO is actually exploring a device that will detect based on a certain square footage if there’s some kind of digital hack coming into that certain zone, and it’ll shut it down immediately,” Gill reveals.
Nigerian-born investor Adebayo Ogunlesi was recently appointed to the board of directors at OpenAI, marking another significant milestone in his illustrious career. Following this announcement, his net worth has climbed from $1.7 billion on January 15 to $2.3 billion, driven by the strong performance of his diverse investment portfolio.
Ogunlesi’s portfolio, valued at over $1.8 billion, includes stakes in prominent global companies such as BlackRock, Kosmos Energy Holdings LLC, Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp., and Goldman Sachs Group. His sharp investment acumen and strategic diversification have established him as one of Africa’s most influential corporate figures, with investments spanning asset management, energy, and leisure sectors.
The addition of Ogunlesi to the OpenAI board underscores his global reputation as a forward-thinking leader with a proven ability to drive innovation and commercial success.
The appointment follows a major transaction earlier in 2024, in which BlackRock and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), where Ogunlesi serves as Chairman, finalized a $12.5 billion deal to create a leading multi-asset infrastructure investment platform. Under Ogunlesi’s leadership, GIP has grown into the largest independent infrastructure manager globally, overseeing assets worth more than $100 billion.
As part of the BlackRock-GIP deal, 12 million shares of BlackRock common stock valued at $9.5 billion, along with $3 billion in cash, were exchanged. By the third quarter of 2024, the platform managed over $150 billion across equities, debt, and other financial solutions.
Ogunlesi’s appointment to OpenAI comes at a critical time as the organization continues to reshape the future of artificial intelligence. His expertise in managing complex investments and fostering global partnerships is expected to play a key role in steering OpenAI’s strategic direction and expanding its worldwide influence.
