The Executive Leadership Council’s UK Convening, held during the UK’s Black History Month—was a tremendous success and a time to honor the profound contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers.
The ELC’s Africa Dinner, held during the UK Convening, was a vibrant celebration of leadership and heritage, honoring the deep connections between Africa, the UK, and the global Black community. ELC Member Keith Levy opened the evening with thoughtful remarks on shared purpose and progress, followed by Board Chair Gale King, who reflected on the power of community in driving change. CEO Mike Hyter rounded out the welcome with an inspiring message on leadership that transcends borders,
setting the tone for a memorable evening dedicated to unity, growth, and cultural pride.
The celebration of Black excellence kicked off with a powerful welcome session hosted at Google’s London office, where attendees were welcomed by Google’s Chief Diversity Officer, Melonie Parker. In her opening remarks,
whose words underscored the significance of cross-industry collaboration and the vital role of Black leadership in shaping a more inclusive future. The session marked a compelling start to a day of impactful discussions and networking, and the strengthening of global connections. The fireside chat with Dr. Melanie Euesebe, MBE, Director, EMEA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Google and William Isaac, Principal Scientist at Google Deep Mind, focused on how to effectively build of partnerships within the Black executive community.
The Corporate Board Navigator panel at the ELC UK Convening brought together industry leaders to explore the pathways and challenges to board service for Black executives. Panelists shared insights on navigating the complexities of corporate governance, building strategic networks, and the crucial role of diverse representation at the board level. The session, with opening remarks provided by Arlene Isaacs Lowe
, Board Director Equitable Holdings, underscored the importance of expanding board opportunities globally, equipping executives with the knowledge and resources needed to influence corporate leadership and drive meaningful change across industries. Panelists included Craig Cuffie, Chief Procurement Officer at HSBC, Joe Hurd, Operating Partner SOSV, Alison Yapp, Compass Group General Counsel and Company Secretary and Ashok Gupta, Non-Executive Board Director, Mercer UK.
The ELC’s “Breakfast with Purpose” panel offered a compelling discussion on the current geopolitical landscape, exploring both the risks and opportunities for Black executives and businesses worldwide. Pamela Hutchinson, OBE, Global Head of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Bloomberg, provided opening remarks. Moderated by Joi Preciphs Senior Editor, Bloomberg Opinion, Heather Harris, Chief Content Creator, Bloomberg, discussed the shifting dynamics of global markets, political tensions, and economic trends, emphasizing the importance of strategic agility and foresight. This engaging session provided attendees with valuable perspectives on navigating uncertainty, identifying growth opportunities, and making impactful decisions in a complex world.
The week wrapped up with the highly anticipated ELC UK Convening Power Lists Gala which continues to serve as an extraordinary evening celebrating Black excellence and honoring influential leaders who drive impactful change across industries. The ELC made a historic $100,000 donation to the African Science Academy whose founder, Tom llube, is committed to transforming the landscape of education in Ghana.
“This donation reflects The ELC’s commitment to creating opportunities for future leaders, including on the continent, and driving equity and excellence on a global scale,” said ELC Board Chair Gale V. King.
“The work of the African Science Academy is about equipping future leaders with the tools they need to address the world’s most pressing challenges.”
By investing in the education of young African women, The ELC is contributing to a future where innovation, leadership, and excellence know no boundaries.
This year’s Powerlist ELC Executive of the Year Award recipient was Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director for the Bank of England.
“Afua embodies excellence in every sense – leading with vision, driving performance, and championing progress in the corporate world,” said ELC President and CEO Michael C. Hyter. “She exemplifies visionary leadership and financial expertise at the highest level. Her work underscores the profound impact of diverse leadership in shaping a stronger, more inclusive future.”
Kyei is a member of the Bank’s Executive Board overseeing the upgrade of the UK’s Real Time Gross Settlement Afua oversees the financial governance of the Bank’s balance sheet, which at its peak, grew to over £1 trillion during the Covid pandemic. She has been responsible for updating the Bank’s funding mechanism as reflected in the Financial Services and Markets Act 2023.
Other nominees included:
John McCalla-Leacy, KPMG International, Head of Global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at KPMG International.
Ola Fadipe, Google UK, Senior Director of Recruiting for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).
