Uchechukwu Ukachi

My attendance at a St John’s College Access event in Leeds back in 2007 was one of the principal influences for my application to Oxford University. Three years later, I matriculated with the intake of 2010, after being awarded a Foundation Degree in Power Generation with Distinction at Aston University. In 2014, I graduated with a First Class Honours degree in MEng Engineering, Economics and Management. 

The experiences I had here at St  John’s, and the guidance of both academic and non-academic staff, have been instrumental in shaping my life and career. My role as JCR President and involvement in student societies provided a platform through which I was recognised as one of the UK’s top 10 black students through the prestigious Rare Rising Stars 2013 award. The College’s travel scholarship to Australia afforded me an opportunity to build my professional network amongst alumni and to develop relationships which I maintain to this day. It was also at St John’s that I met my fiancée as well as lifelong friends. 

After graduation, I started a career in investment banking where I am now a Vice President in an equity financing team. I am responsible for risk management of corporate equity derivatives and provide financing to a broad range of clients. In my professional career, there has never been a greater momentum to improve equality in professional services and I believe strongly that it is incumbent on us all to contribute our best efforts. I am passionate about improving diversity and inclusion within my industry, where I am a member of the Investment Bank Inclusion and Representative Working Group at my firm. I am also a member of the St John’s College Race & Equality Advisory Group. 

Outside of the office, I have keen interests in education and placemaking, particularly how land or brownfield sites are used to create vibrant and flourishing communities in a sustainable way. I also have an energetic Cockapoo called Benji who I enjoy walking and trying to train.