The JP Morgan-sponsored Powerful Media Powerlist 100 recognises the UK’s most powerful and influential people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage here in the UK.
Other famous faces on the list, in partnership with JP Morgan, include historian David Olusoga, Sex Education and Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa, actor and comedian Sir Lenny Henry and musician Stormzy. The comedian Mo Gilligan makes his list debut.
“I am not ignorant that now, more than ever, the world needs more cohesion, humanity and unity than ever and I pray for that reality. With this context, celebrating a list which concentrates on a specific group in society may be a sensitive topic for some. Those that know me will know that I have tried to stand for the collective over the individual and I’m a passionate believer that a society where everyone is seen is better than a society in which only some are.
Dean Forbes
The Top 10:
1. Edward Enninful, OBE. Enninful is editor-in-chief of UK Vogue, and European editorial director of Vogue.
In 2016, Edward received an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II for his fashion industry contributions. In August 2017, he became Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, shaping a new diverse vision for fashion. He will soon transition to British Vogue’s Editorial Advisor and Vogue’s Global Creative and Cultural Advisor.
2. Dean Forbes – CEO, Forterro, Partner Corten Capital.
Former footballer Dean Forbes worked at a Motorola call centre to combat homelessness-inducing debt. Through years of hard work, Forbes rose to lead tech firm Forterro and run philanthropic Forbes Family Group (FFG). FFG supports underrepresented youth in business, efforts increased during the pandemic.
3. Afua Kyei – chief financial officer, Bank of England.
At 36, Afua became the Bank of England’s first black senior executive Chief Financial Officer in its 329-year history. In the role, the now 41-year-old Oxford Chemistry master’s degree holder and former Barclays Bank Finance Director has overseen the Bank’s handling of Brexit, the COVID pandemic, the 2022 mini-budget and more.
4. Marvin Rees – mayor of Bristol.
When elected Bristol’s Mayor in 2016, Marvin became Europe’s first Black mayor. The former journalist and 51-year-old father of three was reelected in 2021. In his first term, he oversaw nearly 9,000 new homes and provided over 3,500 disadvantaged children quality work experiences. Marvin declared Bristol a City of Hope built on ambition, inclusion and social justice.
5. Tunde Olanrewaju – senior partner and managing partner, McKinsey & Company.
Tunde advises on financial services, strategy, operations, and culture. The Imperial College London engineering graduate leads McKinsey’s UK Digital and European Fintech Practices from London, where he is also an Oxfam trustee.
6. Joshua Siaw, MBE – partner, White & Case.
At 39, lawyer Joshua is the youngest top tenner. The King’s College London graduate is a White & Case LLP partner, directing its Africa practice. He advises African corporations, governments, and financial institutions. Joshua received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 and was appointed UK Africa Investors Group (AIG) co-chair this year.
7. Syreeta Brown – group chief people and communications officer, Virgin Money UK.
Syreeta, a human resources expert, joined Virgin Money UK in 2021 as Group Chief People and Communications Officer. The cultural transformation specialist previously led HR for Citi’s global functions, operations, and technology. The London, New Jersey, and Michigan educated leader won 2018’s ‘Leader in Financial Services’ Black British Business Award.
8. Paulette Simpson, CBE – executive, corporate affairs and public policy, Jamaica National Bank; executive director, The Voice Media Group.
Born in Britain, Paulette Simpson was raised between Jamaica and Manchester before studying business at the University of Sterling. She is Executive Director of the British Afro-Caribbean newspaper The Voice and Deputy CEO at Jamaica National’s UK representative office, Britain’s first Caribbean-owned bank. Additionally, the 2021 CBE recipient serves as Deputy Chair of both the Windrush Advisory Panel and Windrush Commemoration Committee.
9. Vanessa Kingori, CBE – chief business officer, Condé Britain, Vogue European Business advisor.
She has worked at magazine publisher Condé Nast for more than 10 years. Formerly British GQ’s publisher across all platforms, she also now serves as a youth and diversity advocate. In 2020, Vanessa led #ShareTheMic UK, showcasing high-achieving Black women with support from white women with large platforms.
10. Lord Woolley of Woodford – co-founder, Operation Black Vote, and Principal, Homerton College, Cambridge University.
Lord Woolley, 61, received a knighthood for his race equality services. The Leicester-born cross-party peer co-founded Operation Black Vote, engaging black, Asian, and multi-ethnic communities to address inequalities. A Police Now charity trustee recruiting diverse police, he became the first Black Oxbridge college head in 2021, saying: “It’s a great historic day…I’m on cloud nine.”
The full list (unranked)
ARTS
Hurvin Andersen: Artist
Maximilian Davis: Creative Director, Salvatore Ferragamo
Michael Armitage: Artist
Sonia Boyce: Artist, Professor of Black Art and Design, University of the Arts, London
Sir Frank Bowling Artist
Precious Adams: Soloist, English National Ballerina
Professor Dr Shirley Thompson, OBE: Composer, conductor and reader in music, University of Westminster
Dame Pat McGrath, DBE: Makeup artist/Founder, Pat McGrath Labs
Cassa Pancho, MBE: Founder, artistic director and CEO, Ballet Black
Lubaina Himid: Artist
Chi-chi Nwanoku CBE: Founder, Chineke! Foundation
Grace Wales Bonner: Fashion designer
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: Artist
BUSINESS
Timothy Armoo (CEO),
Ambrose Cooke (COO)
and Mitchell Fasanya (CTO) Fanbytes by Brainlabs
Steven Bartlett Entrepreneur, Dragon, Dragon’s Den
Kojo Boakye Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Middle East and Türkiye, Meta
Kene Ejikeme Partner, Head of Multi Asset Platform Sales and High Touch Execution in EMEA, Goldman Sachs
Ola Fadipe Senior Director, People Experience, Google
Eric Collins CEO and co-Founder Impact X Capital, Host of The Money Maker, Author, We Don’t Need Permission
Yemi Edun Founder and CEO, Daniel Ford & Co and Daniel Ford International
Emeka Emembolu Chief of Staff, BP
Camille Drummond Senior Vice President, Global Business Services, BP
Pamela Hutchinson, OBE Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Bloomberg
Alexander and Oliver Kent-Braham Co-founders, Marshmallow insurance company
Richard Iferenta Partner, Vice Chair, KPMG
Dawid Konotey-Ahulu Co-Founder, Redington and 10000 Interns Foundation, Founder at Mallowstreet
John McCalla-Leacy Global Head of Environment, Social & Governance, KPMG International
Ayana McIntosh-Lee Senior Vice President and Global Head of External Affairs, BP
Teddy Nyahasha CEO, OneFamily
Tangy Cathleen Morgan Independent Senior Advisor, Bank of England (BoE) Prudential Regulation Committee
Roni Savage CEO & Founder, Jomas Associates
Merary Soto-Saunders Managing Director, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, CVC Capital Partners
Bolaji Sofoluwe Chairwoman of the Board, BGEN International
Tevin Tobun CEO, ROUTD Technology and GV Group
MEDIA, PUBLISHING, ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORT
Joivan Wade, Percelle Ascott and Tafara Makopa (Co-Founders and CEO) and Tafara Makopa (Managing Director), Wall of Entertainment
Glyn Aikins Co-President, RCA UK and Since 93; Board of Governors, The Southbank Centre
Riki Bleau Founder and Co-President, Since ’93
Patricia Bright Digital Content Creator and Entrepreneur
Lorna Clarke BBC, Director of Music
Michaela Coel Writer & Actor
Austin Daboh Executive Vice President UK; President of Black Music, Atlantic Records
Idris Elba, OBE Actor & Producer
Bernardine Evaristo Writer, Professor of Creative Writing, Brunel
Ncuti Gatwa Actor
Mo Gilligan
Find and follow some of these pioneers on social media!
Sources:
https://www.flipsnack.com/futureleaders/powerlist-2024_screen/full-view.html
https://twitter.com/powerlistmag?lang=en
