Trailblazing leadership. Unwavering impact. Inspiring representation.
Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the Bank of England, has been named the UK’s most influential Black person on the 2026 Powerlist, which celebrates exceptional Black talent shaping the UK’s cultural and economic landscape.
At 43, Kyei’s appointment to the top of the list marks another milestone in her trailblazing career. Appointed by former Bank of England Governor and now Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, she has guided the Bank through critical moments including Brexit, the pandemic, and the cost-of-living crisis — overseeing a £1 trillion balance sheet and steering strategic decisions across finance, investment, and human capital.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Kyei’s journey — from Oxford and Princeton graduate to one of Britain’s most respected finance leaders — reflects her belief in excellence, curiosity, and purpose. Speaking to The Guardian, she called her recognition “an honour and recognition for the public sector.”
As the Bank’s co-executive sponsor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Climate Change Disclosure, Kyei continues to push for representation at senior levels.
“There is a shortage in Black leadership. If you look at the FTSE 350 or FTSE 100, we do not see Black chairs or Black CEOs,” she said. “Young people can’t aspire to what they can’t see. The Powerlist provides visibility to role models across every industry so that young people can say, ‘If they can, so can I.’”
This year’s Powerlist 2026 shines a spotlight on a remarkable group of leaders whose work continues to transform their industries — from finance and fashion to entertainment and entrepreneurship.
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Powerlist 2026 Top 10
- Afua Kyei – Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director, Bank of England
- Ian Wright – Former Arsenal & England footballer; Broadcaster and Advocate for Equity in Sport
- Dame Pat McGrath – Makeup Artist & Founder, Pat McGrath Labs
- Pamela Maynard – Chief AI Transformation Officer, Microsoft MCAPS
- Joshua Siaw – Partner, White & Case
- Tunde Olanrewaju – Senior Partner & Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company Europe
- Steven Bartlett – Entrepreneur and Investor, Dragons’ Den
- Emma Grede – CEO & Co-founder, Good American; Founding Partner, SKIMS
- Idris Elba – Actor, Filmmaker, Philanthropist
- Ije Nwokorie – Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martens
Afua Kyei joins a legacy of Black excellence alongside past honourees such as Karen Blackett, Sharon White, and Cynthia Erivo — leaders who continue to open doors for future generations.
The Bank of England has set a bold target to have 10% of its graduate intake and 20% of its senior managers come from Black or ethnic minority backgrounds by 2028. Kyei’s leadership and advocacy are helping make that vision a reality.
At Bizexcel Partners, we celebrate visionary leaders like Afua Kyei — individuals who inspire others to break barriers, redefine leadership, and embody the values of excellence, inclusion, and impact.
