Brook Taye's (PhD) career in public service has been anything but ordinary. As the founding Director General of the Ethiopian Capital Market Authority (ECMA), he has played a leading role in shaping the future of Ethiopia’s nascent capital markets. Now, after laying the groundwork for a thriving regulatory framework, Brook is stepping into a new role as the head of Ethiopia's first sovereign wealth fund, a move he describes as "bittersweet and fulfilling."

At 45, Brook’s time in the civil service, which he claimed after returning from the United States a few years ago, has been marked by relentless dedication. He reflects on lessons learned from his time at the Ministry of Finance, where mentors like the Minister, Ahmed Shide, and his deputy, Eyob Tekalign (PhD), ingrained a deep sense of duty in him.

Brook recalled a principle they imparted that fueled his work ethic: a civil servant never knows their next assignment.

“I worked like there is no tomorrow,” he told Fortune last week after learning he was assigned to run the Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH).

Brook recalled the intensity with which he approached his responsibilities. During his tenure at ECMA, he oversaw the introduction of foundational directives and regulations expected to serve as the bedrock for future capital markets. His leadership saw the institution, created from scratch, establish multiple public consultations and training platforms to raise awareness about the capital market among the public.

These initiatives are expected to have a lasting impact, promoting a culture of investment and financial literacy in a country where such markets have been largely underdeveloped.

Before joining the economic reform efforts initiated by the Ministry of Finance, Brook's career spanned continents and industries. His academic journey took him across Europe, culminating in advanced degrees in law and economics, focusing on the impact of entrepreneurial firms on employment in Ethiopia. His professional experience includes roles in the U.S., where he worked for A&A Capital Inc. as an investment fund manager, a regulatory analyst, and economist at Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP.

Brook believes this diverse background equipped him with a unique perspective, blending international experience with a deep understanding of Ethiopia’s economic reality.

The transition to the EIH represents a notable shift for Brook.

Chaired by the Prime Minister, it was incorporated in 2022 with a capital of 100 billion Br and oversees nearly 30 state-owned enterprises, including heavyweights like Ethiopian Airlines and Ethio Telecom. These enterprises collectively hold over 150 billion dollars in assets, with investments amounting to approximately 275 million Br in the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX). Mamo Mihretu, now central bank governor, was the founding CEO, before he was replaced by Abdurehman Eid, appointed as a state minister.