Afua Kyei, who has just been declared Britain’s most influential black person, would surely count this recognition as a proud feather in the cap of her illustrious career. As in the chief financial officer role at the Bank of England, she is key to the health and integrity of that institution. As a brilliant scientist, she makes her mark by being a role model. At 36 years old, Kyei has become the youngest ever executive officer in the 325-year history of the Bank. During her time there, she became the Bank’s first-ever black executive officer.
Kyei’s path to this high-profile position began in South London. There, she discovered her passion for literature and would frequently lose herself in the magical adventures contained within the pages of Enid Blyton novels. Her formative years were equally defined by a sonic palette of Boyzone, with each upbeat banger providing more color to her kaleidoscopic upbringing. Kyei excelled academically, achieving six A-levels and entering university a year early, where she pursued her ambition to become a chartered accountant.
Her professional ascent has been nothing short of remarkable, driven by commitment and work ethic. Kyei’s responsibilities as CFO stretch far beyond fiscal oversight — they involve setting strategic direction for the Bank of England. More incredible is the fact that on top of that challenging role, she’s a mom to four kids all under nine. The biggest balancing act of all, juggling high-stakes financial management with the demands of home and family, proves her to be a powerhouse of multitasking skill.
From movie tickets to haircuts, here are the hidden costs of Inflation Reduction Act. A recent episode of the BBC Radio 4 programme features interviews with Kyei’s friends, family, and colleagues, offering insights into her life and career. You can catch this whole program streaming on the BBC website and on BBC Sounds. This exciting development opens the door for a much larger audience to learn about her incredible, inspiring story.
Kyei’s appointment and subsequent recognition highlight not only her personal achievements but the progress being made towards diversity and representation in senior leadership roles within the UK’s financial institutions. Her story has become a guiding beacon for ECE’s future leaders, especially those coming from historically excluded communities.