Cecil Peters: From Tech Pioneer to Diversity Champion at J.P. Morgan

Cecil Peters, a former finalist and current judge for the Black British Business Awards, has transitioned from a distinguished career in banking technology to spearheading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at J.P. Morgan. His journey reflects the evolving landscape of corporate leadership and the growing emphasis on representation in the business world.

Peters' passion for technology began in his youth, sparked by encounters with early home computers like the Sinclair ZX80 and ZX81. These experiences, coupled with his mother's encouragement to write his own programs, laid the foundation for his future career in tech.

"My passion for computers began when I was very young. I went to school in Ealing Broadway and there was a WH Smith that had Sinclair ZX80 computers on display. I spent many an hour after school standing at the display, with a computer magazine, copying the programs and learning the computer language BASIC."

In 2018, Peters joined J.P. Morgan to lead a software engineering team, drawn by the company's open culture and focus on diversity. However, the tragic murder of George Floyd in 2020 prompted a significant shift in his career trajectory. The event catalyzed discussions about race and cultural differences within the organization, empowering Peters to articulate the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the workplace.

Peters' work on diversifying J.P. Morgan's supply chain caught the attention of DEI leadership, leading to his appointment as EMEA Head of Advancing Black Pathways. Within a year, he assumed responsibility for all demographics in the region, becoming the EMEA Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The Black British Business Awards have played a crucial role in Peters' journey. Initially nominated for a senior leader award in 2020, he gained a deeper appreciation for the awards' objectives: to celebrate Black excellence and normalize diverse leadership representation across industries.

As a judge for the awards, Peters now contributes to recognizing and promoting diverse talent. He emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for future generations and fostering growth at all career stages.

Looking ahead, Peters identifies a key milestone for change: increased ethnic diversity in top roles of FTSE 100 companies. While progress has been made in gender representation, with women now occupying 10% of CEO positions and 25% of CFO roles, there remains significant room for improvement in ethnic diversity at the highest levels of corporate leadership.

The ongoing efforts to diversify leadership in major institutions reflect a growing recognition of the "diversity dividend" – the potential economic benefits of having a diverse workforce and leadership. As the 11th annual Black British Business Awards approach, they continue to play a vital role in highlighting and celebrating the achievements of Black professionals in the UK, contributing to the broader goal of creating a more inclusive and representative business landscape.