I am currently a Whole System Market Frameworks lead at the National Grid ESO. My work focuses on the holistic assessment, development and integration of market frameworks that facilitate the transition to a more sustainable and efficient energy system, whilst ensuring that market designs align with long-term goals, such as the net-zero goal - through addressing technical, regulatory, and economic challenges in the sector.

In addition to my role at the ESO, I founded 2 charitable organisations: one of which focuses on fuel and energy poverty. At my organisation, the key focus is driving sustainable energy projects that enhance energy affordability and renewable energy access (particularly in developing nations). With a deep passion for energy transitions and sustainable solutions, I aim to specialise in renewable technologies, impact analysis, and policy advocacy that enable innovative energy transitions.

Overall, my mission is to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, fostering socioeconomic growth and empowering communities, while advancing global energy sustainability.

Junior Olomowewe is an Associate Strategy Director at VaynerMedia London. Before this, he founded Blanguage, a creative agency focused on authentic brand messaging for Black audiences. He has worked with brands like TikTok, Beats By Dre, Visa, and Samsung, blending cultural insights with strategic thinking to create impactful campaigns. His career spans music, sports, and advertising, driven by a passion for connecting brands with people in meaningful ways. Recognised in The Drum Future 50 list and as a judge for the D&AD New Blood Awards, Junior is dedicated to pushing boundaries in the industry. He is also committed to diversity and inclusion, mentoring emerging talent, and sharing insights through platforms like Campaign Magazine and Havas' All In Spotlight series.

Kolawole Epebinu is a finance professional with expertise in investment banking, corporate

finance, and capital markets. He currently leads the Debt Capital Markets (DCM) team at

Emerging Africa Group, where he has successfully structured and executed over $1 billion in

debt issuances, including convertible bonds and private bonds. Kolawole excels in financial

analysis, capital raising, and deal structuring, with a proven ability to meet clients' financing

needs through tailored debt solutions.

Kolawole holds a Master’s in Finance from Henley Business School, University of Reading,

where he deepened his knowledge in equity analysis, alternative investments, and options

strategies. He also earned certifications in Financial Modeling and Valuation from Financial

Edge and completed an Advanced Diploma in Options Trading with Zishi.

With a passion for financial markets, Kolawole’s career goal is to continue growing as a finance

expert, using his strong analytical and leadership skills to drive impactful results in the capital

markets and corporate finance sectors.

Outside of work, he is interested in finance research, teaching, and reading.

 Mary Agbesanwa is passionate about how technology is transforming the financial services industry especially wealth management and supporting millennials to achieve their full potential. She has spent several years working as a Management Consultant at PwC working with banks and fintechs looking to scale or adapt their business models. She was fintech growth lead at a B2B fintech focusing on turbocharging the firm’s growth and expanding their portfolio of fintech clients. Now she is a sales director within the wealth management business at Lloyd’s Banking Group.

Outside of work, she runs a female professional community called the ‘Now You’re Talking Network’ which has over 3,000 members from tech and financial services. She is also the Learning Facilitator for Imperial College Business School’s quarterly Fintech Programme, a programme leader for the Wharton Business School's Executive Presence & Influence programme and a board trustee for Girlguiding, the UK’s largest charity for women.

Mary's recent accolades include being Startups Magazine’s 23 Most Influential Womxn of 2023, Black Women in Asset Management 40 Under 40 Winner, Money 20/20 Europe VIP Speaker 2023, Brummell’s 30 Inspirational Women in the City list 2022, Black Tech Achievement Awards finalist, MCA Young Consultant of the Year finalist 2021, Innovate Finance Women in Fintech Powerlist 2020 and No.1 for the Global EMpower Future Leaders List 2020.

Find out more about Mary via her links here.

Check out Mary’s website here.

Vice President, Institutional Client Services at BNP Paribas, focusing on their Derivative, ETD & OTC Clearing business. I previously worked at JPMorgan within their Markets Transition Management division focusing on their Institutional Clients. I have a 1st Class degree in Accounting & Finance. Socially, I play tennis and semi-pro football for a team in Hackney. 

Medina Wright is a skilled Compliance Manager with extensive experience in regulatory compliance and risk management. Currently, she is the Compliance Monitoring Manager at Pension Insurance Corporation, where she leads compliance reviews, supports sustainability and DE&I initiatives, and supports third-party compliance.

Previously, as Compliance Manager at Smart Pension, Medina built and developed the compliance team, implemented mandatory training processes, and updated policy frameworks. Her role included aligning policies and implementing  policy standards across the business. At HSBC, as a Pension Risk Governance Analyst, she contributed to global pension risk projects, set policy standards, and managed global risk assessments. Her tenure at NEST Corporation included leading second line assurance monitoring, collaborating with regulators, and achieving AAF 02/07 accreditation.

Medina is also passionate about community-building and diversity. She is building a community called "Black Girls in Corporate,"  designed to provide a safe space for Black women in corporate settings to connect, support each other, and amplify their voices and experiences. This initiative underscores her commitment to fostering inclusion and creating supportive networks within the industry.

With credentials that include the ICA Advanced Certificate in Compliance and a degree in Law with Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire, Medina combines her technical expertise with a dedication to enhancing regulatory adherence and promoting community support.

Kieran’s background in physics instilled a deep understanding of energy systems, fuelling his passion for a sustainable future. He has developed strong skills in SQL and Python programming, utilising large datasets for strategic optimisation and research in the energy industry. His technical expertise is driven by a desire to make a positive impact, particularly in areas related to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Kieran is also committed to mentorship and professional growth. He has set up a mentorship and collaboration scheme at Newcastle University, designed to provide guidance, portfolio development, and paid work opportunities for students and alumni. This initiative aims to foster professional connections while offering practical experience.

Accredited by the Association of Coaching UK and currently working towards Chartered Manager status with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), Kieran continually pursues leadership and personal development opportunities.

In addition to his technical and mentorship roles, Kieran is deeply engaged in the creative arts. His professional development is evidenced by fellowships with prestigious organisations such as the Royal Photographic Society, the British Institute of Professional Photography, the Royal Society of Arts, and the Royal Astronomical Society. A versatile creative, he combines his artistic eye with a dedication to advancing professional photography.

Thrilled to be selected for the OVO Senior Black Leadership Academy, Kieran is eager to leverage his communication, problem-solving skills, and knowledge to contribute to the programme’s goals. He’s excited to learn from industry leaders and collaborate with fellow participants, working together to build a greener future.

Ava started her career in Tech/Intellectual Property law in London and Silicon Valley, at companies including Sky, Wikipedia and LinkedIn. Ava then moved into executive headhunting for tech companies/high growth startups, including in-house at San Francisco based startup, On Deck.

Ava has been invited to be a mentor at Unreasonable Goals, advising on talent strategy for some of the most ambitious startups in the world addressing the UN’s SDGs.

Highly entrepreneurial, Ava set up a careers advisory startup, quickly establishing herself as a thought leader in the space, writing for The Guardian, etc.

Selected as a Founding Fellow out of 3000+ candidates (<3% acceptance rate) for elite Fellowship, Included VC, which focused on empowering leaders with the potential of having a significant professional and social impact in the venture capital industry.

Ava currently works as a tech/data people partner at Lloyds Banking Group and was recently nominated for a DEI Gamechanger award due to her pioneering work around creating a more inclusive culture.

With two decades of experience across various sectors, I feel I have developed a well-rounded skill set and a reputation for dedication and excellence. Most notably, I spent 10 years at Allianz Insurance before moving on to OVO, where I been thriving for nearly 7 years.

Outside of work I am a passionate Arsenal supporter and enjoy watching any football. Music is another big interest, with a diverse taste that spans across different genres. Family is at the heart of my life, spending as much time as possible with my brothers, sister, nieces, and nephews. I'm known for always smiling and bringing positivity to any room, I love meeting new people and am always up for making new connections.

A professional with in-depth knowledge and all-encompassing experience in both the theory and practise of business managment,a developer in creative approach to problem solving that produces effective management results in economics,risk management,business management to ignite real results for business that achieves tangible results. Proven motivator and leadership expert.

Specialities:

Leadership, coaching and mentoring;

Strategic business process modelling/improvement;

Risk management - Business/Contingent Liabilities;

Problem solving - Analysed, implemented solutions;

Innovative marketing for development;

international busines;

Quantitative risk modelling;

I am a senior marketing and communications professional currently working at Energy Systems Catapult, a government-backed research and technology organisation established to accelerate energy innovation. In my role as marketing manager, I oversee strategic campaigns targeting diverse customer groups. My approach combines creativity, curiosity, and strategic insight to deliver tangible results and meaningful impact.

As a young mum from a mixed heritage background and a working-class family, I have broken down numerous barriers to reach this stage in my career. Without a degree, I’ve relied on my drive, determination, and passion for growth to carve out opportunities and succeed in a competitive field. These experiences have shaped my resilience and given me a unique perspective, fuelling my desire to challenge norms and push boundaries.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with major household names, start ups and fast growing businesses, where I have managed brand, sales and recruitment campaigns. In 2020, I was selected as one of PRWeek’s 30 under 30, recognising my early achievements and potential. I thrive in environments that encourage challenge and growth, and I’m excited to further develop my leadership skills as part of the OVO x Aleto Foundation Black Leadership Academy.

With over a decade of experience in research and development organizations, I am deeply committed to evidence-based research, uncovering the science behind the headlines, and promoting black talent & leadership in STEM.

I currently lead a Scientific Foresights team in a FTSE 500 company where I oversee the monitoring of global trends, patents, and innovation opportunities. My role involves driving the development and implementation of digital technologies and fostering an ecosystem of partners in tech and start-ups. This includes identifying investment and acquisition opportunities that can disrupt the market and drive value growth for the business. I collaborate with experts in Product Development, Life Sciences, Competitor Intelligence, Strategic Insights and Foresights, Regulatory and Compliance, and Mergers & Acquisitions to assess technical feasibility and business potential, ensuring our portfolio delivers superior consumer experiences.

I hold a PhD in Neuroscience and an executive postgraduate degree in Business Administration. My skill set includes people management, projects/program management, regulatory engagement, strategic insights and foresights. I am a Registered Member of the Institute of Clinical Research, a member of the Royal Society of Biology, and a member of Black Talent & Leadership in STEM community.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy traveling, working out, music, and art. I have a passion for photography and graphic design, and I play several musical instruments. I am also an avid sports enthusiast, and an ardent follower of the English Premier League and Formula 1. On weekends, I assist my wife with her cake business, sensationalcakes.co.uk, which was a top 100 small business in the UK and finalist at the 2024 Small Awards, Best Sole Trader Category, amongst other awards. Recently, I became a new dad, so I cherish spending time with my son, Josiah.