Powerlist
Annual ranking of influential Black British people
Powerlist Publisher Powerful Media First published 2007 Latest publication October 27, 2023 Most Influential Edward Enninful Website
The Powerlist is a list of the 100 most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage in the United Kingdom . The list is updated annually and has been published in book format by Powerful Media since 2007. The Powerlist is not limited to British-born citizens and includes immigrants to the UK.
History and methodology
The list was first created in 2007 by Michael Eboda, then editor of the New Nation , a weekly newspaper published in the UK for the Black British community, as a way to profile and celebrate influential Black Britons, and inspire and influence the next generation.[ 1] The first Powerlist was compiled after six months of research and debate where 400 people of influence were whittled down to 50 women and 50 men, then ranked into respective top tens with the results announced in August 2007.[ 2] During the first few editions, separate top 10 rankings were produced for both female and male candidates and top-ranking individuals could continue to be ranked the following year.[ 3] From 2012 the 50 highest-rated nominees, along with updates on the previous year's Powerlistees from rank 2–100, are then ranked by an independent panel in the summer, with the list being produced each autumn. Each year's highest-ranking individual is added to the Powerlist Hall of Fame[ 4] [ 5]
Hall of Fame
A list of every Powerlist highest ranking individual.
Year
Portrait
Name
Occupation
Category
Notability
2025
Dean Forbes
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO, Forterro and Partner at Corten Capital
2024
Edward Enninful
Editor
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Former editor-in-chief of British Vogue , European editorial director of Condé Nast
2023
Dame Sharon White
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chair, John Lewis Partnership
2022
Jacky Wright
Businessperson
Technology
Chief digital officer at Microsoft
2021
Sir Lewis Hamilton , MBE
Formula 1 Driver
Sports
Seven-time World Champion Formula One driver
2020
Ismail Ahmed
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
founder & chairman of WorldRemit
2019
Ric Lewis
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Exec & Chairman of Tristan Capital Partners
2018
Gina Miller
Businessperson & Activist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Activist known for her work challenging Brexit
2017
Tom Ilube , CBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Founder of Crossword Cyber Security, Africa Gifted Foundation
2016
Sir Ken Olisa , OBE
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London
2015
Karen Blackett , OBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of MediaCom UK
2014
Malorie Blackman , OBE
Author
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Writer of over 60 children's books and Children's Laureate
2013
Sir David Adjaye , OBE
Architect
Arts, Fashion & design
Designer of the National Museum of African American History in Washington, DC
2012
Tidjane Thiam
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of Prudential plc
2011
Tidjane Thiam
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of Prudential plc
2010
Baroness Scotland
Attorney General
Politics, Law and Religion
First Female & Black person to be Attorney General for England and Wales
2008 (Male)
Dr. Mo Ibrahim
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chairman & Founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation
2008 (Female)
Baroness Scotland
Attorney General
Politics, Law and Religion
First Female & Black person to be Attorney General for England and Wales
2007 (Male)
Sir Damon Buffini
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Private equity baron at Permira
2007 (Female)
Baroness Scotland
Attorney General
Politics, Law and Religion
First Female & Black person to be Attorney General for England and Wales
2020s
2025 Powerlist Rankings
Published in October 2024, Dean Forbes , the CEO of Forterro and a Partner at Corten Capital, was named as the UK's most influential black person for its 19th edition.[ 6]
Top 10
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Dean Forbes
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO, Forterro and Partner at Corten Capital
2
Bernard Mensah
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
President of international, Bank of America ; Chief executive officer, MLI
3
Afua Kyei
Financial executive
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Financial Officer, Bank of England
4
Emma Grede
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief executive officer and Co-Founder, Good American ; Founding Partner, Skims
5
Joshua Siaw, MBE
Lawyer
Politics, Law and Religion
Partner, White & Case
6
Tunde Olanrewaju
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Senior Partner and Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company
7
Alexander and Oliver Kent-Braham
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Founders, Marshmallow
8
Adejoké Bakare
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chef-owner, Chishuru, Michelin-starred restaurant
9
Justin Onuekwusi
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief investment officer, St James’s Place
10
Pamela Maynard
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief AI transformation officer, Microsoft
2024 Powerlist Rankings
Published in October 2023, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue , Edward Enninful OBE, was named as the UK's most influential black person for its 18th edition.[ 7] [ 8] [ 9]
Top 10
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Edward Enninful , OBE
Editor
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Former editor-in-chief of British Vogue , European editorial director of Condé Nast
2
Dean Forbes
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO, Forterro and Partner at Corten Capital
3
Afua Kyei
Financial executive
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Financial Officer, Bank of England
4
Marvin Rees
Politician
Public, Third Sector and Education
Mayor of Bristol
5
Tunde Olanrewaju
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Senior Partner and Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company
6
Joshua Siaw , MBE
Lawyer
Politics, Law and Religion
Partner, White & Case
7
Syreeta Brown
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Group Chief People and Communications Officer, Virgin Money UK
8
Paulette Simpson , CBE
Businessperson
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Executive, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, Jamaica National Bank; Executive Director, The Voice Media Group
9
Vanessa Kingori , CBE
Publisher
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Chief Business Officer, Condé Nast Britain, Vogue European Business Advisor
10
Simon Woolley, Baron Woolley of Woodford
Politician and Activist
Public, Third Sector and Education
Co-founder and Director of Operation Black Vote and Principal of Homerton College , University of Cambridge
2023 Powerlist Rankings
Published in October 2022, the 2023 Powerlist Top 10 was dominated by business people. Once again the panel of judges was led by retired high court judge Dame Linda Dobbs, and also included former Powerlister and winner of the first series of The Apprentice , Tim Campbell .[ 10] [ 11] [ 12]
Top 10
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Dame Sharon White
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chair, John Lewis Partnership
2
Dean Forbes
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO, Forterro and Partner at Corten Capital
3
Anne Mensah
Businessperson
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Vice-president of Content UK, Netflix
4
Tunde Olanrewaju
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Senior Partner and Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company
5
Steven Bartlett
Businessperson
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Founder and former CEO of Social Chain; Dragon on Dragons' Den
6
David Olusoga , OBE
Historian, Writer, Broadcaster
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Broadcaster & Joint Creative Director of Uplands Television Ltd
7
Simon Woolley, Baron Woolley of Woodford
Politician and Activist
Public, Third Sector and Education
Co-founder and Director of Operation Black Vote and Principal of Homerton College , University of Cambridge
8
Paulette Simpson , CBE
Businessperson
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Executive, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, Jamaica National Bank; Executive Director, The Voice Media Group
9
Richard Iferenta
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Partner, Vice Chair, KPMG
10
Dr Sandie Okoro
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
General Counsel, Standard Chartered Bank
2022 Powerlist Rankings
Published in October 2021, the panel of judges was led by retired high court judge Dame Linda Dobbs and included former Powerlister Matthew Ryder QC.[ 13] [ 14] [ 15]
Top 10
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Jacky Wright
Businessperson
Technology
Chief digital officer at Microsoft
2
Marcus Rashford
Footballer
Sports
England and Manchester United footballer, and campaigner against child poverty and racism
3
Anne Mensah
Businessperson
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Vice-president of Content UK, Netflix
4
Daniel Kaluuya
Actor
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Oscar and Golden Globe winning actor for portrayal of the Chicago Black Panther leader Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah
5
Prof. Kevin Fenton
Public-Health Leader
Science, Medicine & Engineering
London regional director at Public Health England , who has played a key role highlighting COVID-19 and inequality
6
Steven Bartlett
Businessperson
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Founder and former CEO of Social Chain; Dragon on Dragons' Den
7
Michaela Coel
Actor, Screenwriter, Director and Producer
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Creator, co-director and producer of BBC /HBO series I May Destroy You
8
Simon Woolley, Baron Woolley of Woodford
Politician and Activist
Public, Third Sector and Education
Co-founder and Director of Operation Black Vote and Principal of Homerton College , University of Cambridge
9
Richard Iferenta
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Partner at KPMG
10
Jacqueline McKenzie
Human Rights Lawyer
Politics, Law and Religion
Director at Centre for Migration Advice and Research and McKenzie, Beute and Pope
2021 Powerlist Rankings
The 2021 Powerlist came in a year in which public debate on racial injustice had increased, with the Black Lives Matter movement and global protests against police brutality. Therefore, chief executive Michael Eboda decided that the 14th Powerlist would honour those who had used their voice to advocate against racial injustice.[ 16] Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic , the awards were held virtually on November 17, 2020, and hosted by Kwame Kwei-Armah , OBE.[ 17] The event was held in partnership with J. P. Morgan , who announced they would invest £2 million in support of London non-profit organisations headed by black and minority ethnic leaders; further sponsors included PricewaterhouseCoopers , Facebook , and Linklaters .[ 18] [ 19] The independent panel of judges named Sir Lewis Hamilton as the most influential due to both his sporting excellence and his advocacy in light of the BLM movement; additional highlights of the Top 10 included Prof. Kevin Fenton and Dame Donna Kinnair for their work fighting against COVID-19 .[ 20] [ 21]
Top 10
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Sir Lewis Hamilton , MBE
Formula 1 Driver
Sports
Seven-time World Champion Formula One driver
2
Prof. Kevin Fenton
Public-Health Leader
Public, Third Sector and Education
Regional Director, Public Health England London
3
Stormzy
Grime Artist
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Award-winning Musician
4
Michaela Coel
Actor, Screenwriter, Director and Producer
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Creator, co-director and producer of BBC /HBO series I May Destroy You
5
Edward Enninful , OBE
Editor-in-Chief
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue
6
Dame Donna Kinnair
Public-Health Leader & Nurse
Public, Third Sector and Education
CEO & General Secretary, Royal College of Nursing
7
Jacqueline McKenzie
Human Rights Lawyer
Politics, Law and Religion
Director at Centre for Migration Advice and Research and McKenzie, Beute and Pope
8
David Olusoga , OBE
Historian, Writer, Broadcaster
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Historian and TV presenter
9
Afua Hirsch
Writer, Broadcaster, and Former Barrister
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Journalist for The Guardian , author and broadcaster
10
Richard Iferenta
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Partner at KPMG
2020 Powerlist
The 13th annual Powerlist was judged by a panel chaired by Dame Linda Dobbs and published in October 2019; sponsored by J.P. Morgan & Co. , PwC , Linklaters and The Executive Leadership Council.[ 22] [ 23] [ 24] [ 25]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Ismail Ahmed
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Founder & chairman of WorldRemit
2
Dame Pat McGrath
Make-up Artist
Arts, Fashion & design
Founder of Pat McGrath Labs
3
Michael Sherman
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief strategy and transformation officer at BT Group
4
Jacky Wright
Businessperson
Technology
Chief digital officer at Microsoft
5
Stormzy
Grime Artist
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Award-winning Musician
6
Edward Enninful , OBE
Editor-in-Chief
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue
7
Ebele Okobi
Public Policy Director
Technology
Public policy director, Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, Facebook
8
Paulette Rowe
Businessperson
Technology
Global Head, Payments and Financial Services Partnerships, Facebook
9
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye
Artist
Arts, Fashion & design
Award-winning Painter
10
Richard Iferenta
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Partner at KPMG
2010s
2019 Rankings
The 2019 Rankings were released in October 2018 and saw Meghan, Duchess of Sussex included in the list for the first time and named Ric Lewis as the most influential individual.[ 26] [ 27] [ 28]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Ric Lewis
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Executive & Chairman of Tristan Capital Partners
2
Dame Sharon White
Businessperson & Economist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Executive at Ofcom
3
Ismail Ahmed
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Founder & CEO of WorldRemit
4
Jacky Wright
Businessperson
Technology
Chief digital and information officer at HMRC
5
Sandie Okoro
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Senior VP and general counsel at the World Bank Group
6
Ebele Okobi
Public Policy Director
Technology
Public policy director, Africa, the Middle East and Turkey, Facebook
7
Funmi Olonisakin
Professor
Public, Third Sector & Education
Professor of Leadership studies, peace and conflict at King's College London
8
Paulette Rowe
Businessperson
Technology
Global Head, Payments and Financial Services Partnerships, Facebook
9
Edward Enninful , OBE
Editor-in-Chief
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue
10
Richard Iferenta
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Partner at KPMG
2018 Rankings
The 2018 Rankings were released in October 2017 and saw Gina Miller named as the most influential black person in the UK. The list was compiled by a panel that included Dame Linda Dobbs and Tim Campbell and over half of the 100 people on this year's list were women.[ 29] [ 30]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Gina Miller
Businessperson & Activist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Activist known for her work challenging Brexit
2
Ric Lewis
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Executive & Chairman of Tristan Capital Partners
3
Ismail Ahmed
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Founder & CEO of WorldRemit
4
Dame Sharon White
Businessperson & Economist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Executive at Ofcom
5
Nira Chamberlain
Professional Mathematician
Public, Third Sector & Education
Member of Institute of Mathematics and its Applications
6
Jacky Wright
Businessperson
Technology
Chief digital and information officer at HMRC
7
Sandra Wallace
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
UK managing partner, DLA Piper
8
Prof. Laura Serrant
Academic in Nursing
Public, Third Sector & Education
Professor of Nursing, Sheffield Hallam University
9
Dr Shirley J Thompson
Composer
Public, Third Sector & Education
Music composer, visionary and cultural activist
10
Edward Enninful , OBE
Editor-in-Chief
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue
2017 Rankings
The 2017 Powerlist marked the 10th anniversary of the event, with a keynote speech made by Mayor of London , Sadiq Khan were released in October 2016 and named as the most influential black person in the UK. The list was decided by an independent panel led by former high court judge Dame Linda Dobbs .[ 31] [ 32] [ 33]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Tom Ilube , CBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Founder of Crossword Cyber Security, Africa Gifted Foundation
2
Ric Lewis
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Executive & Chairman of Tristan Capital Partners
3
Arlene Isaacs-Lowe
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Head of Relationship Management, EMEA, Moody's
4
Sir Lenny Henry
Actor, comedian & Campaigner
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Co-founder of Comic Relief
5
Sir Mo Farah , CBE
Professional Athlete
Sports
Four-time gold medalist at the Olympic Games
6
Sir Lewis Hamilton , MBE
Formula 1 Driver
Sports
Three-time Formula 1 World Champion
7
Ismail Ahmed
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Founder & CEO of WorldRemit
8
Dr Shirley J Thompson
Composer
Public, Third Sector & Education
Music composer, visionary and cultural activist
9
Dame Sharon White
Businessperson & Economist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Executive at Ofcom
10
Sir Steve McQueen , CBE
Film Director
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Multiple award-winning Director
2016 Rankings
The 2016 Powerlist named Sir Ken Olisa , OBE as the most influential Black Briton for his charitable work and his achievement becoming the first black Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London .[ 34] [ 35] [ 36]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Sir Ken Olisa , OBE
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London
2
Sir Lenny Henry
Actor, comedian & Campaigner
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Co-founder of Comic Relief
3
Dame Sharon White
Businessperson & Economist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chief Executive at Ofcom
4
Sir Steve McQueen , CBE
Film Director
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Multiple award-winning Director
5
Sir Lewis Hamilton , MBE
Formula 1 Driver
Sports
Three-time Formula 1 World Champion
6
Baroness Lawrence , OBE
Campaigner
Public, Third Sector & Education
Justice campaigner
7
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock , MBE
Space Scientist
Public, Third Sector & Education
Space scientist and science educator, University College London
8
Sir Mo Farah , CBE
Professional Athlete
Sports
Two-time gold medalist at the Olympic Games
9
Sandie Okoro
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Global general counsel of HSBC Asset Management
10
Adrian Joseph
Businessperson
Technology
Director, Enterprise Analytics Services, EMEA Google
2015 Rankings
The 2015 Powerlist was announced in November 2014 and took place in the Lord Mayor of London's residence, with a keynote speech given by then Home Secretary, Theresa May .[ 37] The list named Karen Blackett , OBE as the most influential Black Briton, marking her as the first black businesswoman to be awarded the accolade and also saw two people ranked jointly in both third & eighth position.[ 38]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Karen Blackett , OBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of MediaCom UK
2
Sir Ken Olisa , OBE
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London
=3
Chuka Umunna
Politician
Public, Third Sector & Education
Shadow Business Secretary & Labour MP
=3
Helen Grant
Politician
Public, Third Sector & Education
Minister for Sport & Tourism & Conservative MP
4
Sandie Okoro
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Global general counsel of HSBC Asset Management
5
Sir Steve McQueen , CBE
Film Director
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Artist & director of 12 Years a Slave
6
Matthew Ryder QC
Barrister
Public, Third Sector & Education
Barrister specialising in complex criminal cases and civil litigation
7
Dame Sharon White
Civil Servant
Public, Third Sector & Education
Second Permanent Secretary to the Treasury
=8
Sir Lenny Henry
Actor, comedian & Campaigner
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Co-founder of Comic Relief
=8
Idris Elba
Actor & producer
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Actor
9
Adrian Joseph
Businessperson
Technology
Director, Enterprise Analytics Services, EMEA Google
10
Sir Lewis Hamilton , MBE
Formula 1 Driver
Sports
Three-time Formula 1 World Champion
2014 Rankings
An independent panel of five judges, headed by management consultant Vivian Hunt and including business executive Olakunle Babarinde, ranked the 100 most influential Black Britons on merit with children's author Malorie Blackman , OBE first in the yearly ranking.[ 39] [ 40]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Malorie Blackman , OBE
Author
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Writer of over 60 children's books and Children's Laureate
2
Sir Ken Olisa , OBE
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chair of Restoration Partners
3
Matthew Ryder QC
Barrister
Public, Third Sector & Education
Barrister specialising in complex criminal cases and civil litigation
4
Sir Mo Farah , MBE
Athlete
Sports
Olympic Gold Medalist
5
Karen Blackett , OBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of MediaCom UK
=6
Chuka Umunna
Politician
Public, Third Sector & Education
Shadow Business Secretary & Labour MP for Streatham
=6
Adam Afriyie
Politician
Public, Third Sector & Education
Conservative MP for Windsor
7
Doreen Lawrence, Baroness Lawrence , OBE
Activist
Public, Third Sector & Education
Director of the Stephen Lawrence Trust
=8
Idris Elba
Actor & Producer
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Actor
9
Sir Steve McQueen , CBE
Film Director
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Artist & director of 12 Years a Slave
10
Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock , MBE
Space Scientist
Public, Third Sector & Education
Academic researcher at University College London
2013 Rankings
The sixth annual Powerlist edition was announced in October 2012, ranking Britons who have "the ability to alter events and change lives in a positive way" and 20,000 hard copies were distributed to schools across the UK.[ 41]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Sir David Adjaye , OBE
Architect
Arts, Fashion & design
Designer of the National Museum of African American History in Washington, DC
2
Dame Pat McGrath
Make-up Artist
Arts, Fashion & design
Founder of Pat McGrath Labs
3
Sir Mo Farah , MBE
Athlete
Sports
Olympic Gold Medalist
4
Sir Ken Olisa , OBE
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chair of Restoration Partners & Non-executive chairman of Thomson Reuters
5
Sir Damon Buffini
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Private equity baron at Permira
6
Sandie Okoro
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Global General Counsel of Barings LLC
7
Karen Blackett , OBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of MediaCom UK
8
Chuka Umunna
Politician
Public, Third Sector & Education
Shadow Business Secretary & Labour MP for Streatham
9
John Sentamu, Baron Sentamu
Religious Leader
Public, Third Sector & Education
Archbishop of York
10
Idris Elba
Actor & Producer
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Actor
2012 Rankings
The 2012 Powerlist edition was announced in November 2011, and the judging panel was chaired by Baroness Amos . For the second year running, it ranked Tidjane Thiam , CEO of FTSE 100 company Prudential plc , as number one and Dr Mo Ibrahim and Dame Vivian Hunt in second and third place respectively.[ 42]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Tidjane Thiam
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of Prudential plc
2
Dr Mo Ibrahim
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chairman & Founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation
3
Dame Vivian Hunt
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Director at McKinsey & Company
4
Sir David Adjaye , OBE
Architect
Arts, Fashion & design
Designer of the National Museum of African American History in Washington, DC
5
Dr Yvonne Greenstreet
Doctor & Businessperson
Science, Medicine and engineering
Senior VP of medicines development at Pfizer
6
Sir Damon Buffini
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Private equity baron at Permira
7
Sir Ken Olisa , OBE
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chair of Thomson Reuters & The Powerlist Foundation
8
Sandie Okoro
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Global General Counsel of Barings LLC
9
Bernard Mensah
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Head of emerging markets at BofA Securities
10
Idris Elba
Actor & Producer
Media, Publishing & Entertainment
Actor
2011 Powerlist
The 2011 Powerlist had a panel including Baroness Amos and Kwame Kwei-Armah who ranked Tidjane Thiam , CEO of FTSE 100 company Prudential plc first, with Diane Abbott MP ranking ninth.[ 43]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Tidjane Thiam
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of Prudential plc
2
Dr Mo Ibrahim
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chairman & Founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation
=3
Dame Vivian Hunt
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Director at McKinsey & Company
=3
Trevor Faure
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Global General Counsel, Ernst & Young
4
Sir Ken Olisa , OBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of Restoration Partners, Non-executive director of Thomson Reuters and ENRC
5
Sir Damon Buffini
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Private equity baron at Permira
6
Sir David Adjaye , OBE
Architect
Arts, Fashion & design
Lead architect of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
7
Courtenay Griffiths QC
Barrister
Politics, Law and Religion
Barrister
8
Tandy Anderson
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Co-founder of Select Model Management
9
Diane Abbott , MP
Politician
Politics, Law and Religion
Shadow Minister for Public Health and Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington
10
Sir Lewis Hamilton , MBE
Formula 1 Driver
Sport
First black Formula One Word Champion
Others listed included the financier Donna St Hill, the peer Victor Adebowale, Baron Adebowale , the judge Dame Linda Dobbs , the pharmaceutical executive Yvonne Greenstreet , the investor Tsega Gebreyes, the make-up artist Dame Pat McGarth , the strategy consultant Dame Vivian Hunt , the venture capitalist Wol Kolade and CPS Chief Inspector Mike Fuller .[ 44]
2010 Powerlist
The 2010 Powerlist was released in September 2009 and marked the beginning of the annual list being published in the prior Autumn. The launch took place in the Cabinet room at 10 Downing Street and now included men and women in a single table.[ 45] [ 46] [ 47] [ 48]
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Baroness Scotland
Attorney General
Politics, Law and Religion
First female & black person to be Attorney General for England and Wales
2
Tidjane Thiam
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of Prudential plc
3
Dr Mo Ibrahim
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chairman & Founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation
4
Sir Damon Buffini
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Private equity baron at Permira
5
Sir Ken Olisa , OBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chair of Restoration Partners, Non-Executive Director of Thomson Reuters and Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation
6
Trevor Faure
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Global Head of Legal, Ernst & Young
7
Claire Ighodaro , CBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Independent director
8
Dame Vivian Hunt
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Director at McKinsey & Company
9
Lord Sentamu
Religious Leader
Public, Third Sector & Education
Archbishop of York
10
Tsega Gebreyes
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chair of Satya Capital
2000s
Prior to 2010, the Powerlist had a different format and was published in conjunction with weekly newspaper the New Nation . During the Powerlist's first few years, separate top 10 rankings were produced for both female and male candidates. In addition, top-ranking individuals were not promoted to the "Hall of Fame", meaning they could continue to be ranked the following year.[ 49]
2008 Powerlist
The 2008 Powerlist was compiled of 50 men and 50 women by a judging panel that included Baroness Amos and Kwame Kwei-Armah . It was published in October 2008 by Powerful Media sponsored by JP Morgan , and was the first annual powerlist report. Copies were sold in store and sent to the UK's 1000 largest companies with a reception held at the Foreign Office to celebrate those on the list. To qualify, entrants had to be a British citizen or based in Britain.[ 50]
Top 10 Men
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Dr Mo Ibrahim
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chairman & founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation
2
Tidjane Thiam
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of Prudential plc
3
Sir Damon Buffini
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Private equity baron at Permira
4
John Sentamu, Baron Sentamu
Religious Leader
Public, Third Sector & Education
Archbishop of York
5
Trevor Phillips
Politician
Politics, Law and Religion
Chairman of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights
6
David Lammy , MP
Politician
Politics, Law and Religion
Minister for Skills & Labour MP
7
Rio Ferdinand , OBE
Footballer
Sport
Professional footballer for Manchester United and the England national football team
8
Sir Ken Olisa , OBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Director of Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation
9
Sir David Adjaye , OBE
Architect
Arts, Fashion & design
Designer of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver
10
Daniel Alexander QC
Barrister
Politics, Law and Religion
Barrister
Top 10 Women
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Baroness Scotland
Attorney General
Politics, Law and Religion
First female & black person to be Attorney General for England and Wales
2
Claire Ighodaro , CBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Independent director
3
Michelle Ogundehin
Editor
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decoration
4
Dame Vivian Hunt
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Director at McKinsey & Company
5
Dame Pat McGrath
Make-up Artist
Arts, Fashion & design
Founder of Pat McGrath Labs
6
Carol Lake
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Managing director and co-head of marketing at JP Morgan
7
Diane Abbott , MP
Politician
Politics, Law and Religion
First black female MP , Labour MP for Hackney North & Stoke Newington
8
Tandy Anderson
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Co-founder of Select Model Management
9
Sonita Alleyne , OBE
Businessperson
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Director of Somethin' Else
10
Abigail Blackburn
Editor
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Editor of NOW magazine
2007 Powerlist
The first edition of the Powerlist was compiled after six months of research and debate where 400 people of influence were whittled down to 50 women and 50 men, then ranked into respective top tens and announced in August 2007.[ 51]
Top 10 Men
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Sir Damon Buffini
Businessperson & Philanthropist
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Private equity baron at Permira
2
Dr Mo Ibrahim
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Chairman & founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation
3
Michael Prest
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Oil tycoon
4
Tidjane Thiam
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of Prudential plc
5
Stanley Musesengwa
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
CEO of Tate & Lyle
6
Trevor Faure
Lawyer
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
VP & General Counsel of Tyco International
7
Lord Sentamu
Religious Leader
Public, Third Sector & Education
Archbishop of York
8
Sir Lewis Hamilton , MBE & Anthony Hamilton
Formula 1 Driver & Manager
Sport
First black Formula One driver
9
David Lammy , MP
Politician
Politics, Law and Religion
Minister for Skills & Labour Member of Parliament
10
Lee Jasper
Civil Servant
Politics, Law and Religion
Senior Policy Advisor on Equalities to the Mayor of London
Top 10 Women
Rank
Individual
Occupation
Category
Notability
1
Baroness Scotland
Attorney General
Politics, Law and Religion
First female & black person to be Attorney General for England and Wales
2
Baroness Amos
Labour Peer
Politics, Law and Religion
First black female Leader of the House of Lords , cabinet minister and joint-first black woman peer
3
Dame Heather Rabbatts
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Executive Chair of Millwall F.C. & Governor of London School of Economics
4
Naomi Campbell
Supermodel
Arts, Fashion and design
Influential supermodel
5
Claire Ighodaro , CBE
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Director of Banking Code Standards Board
6
Baroness Howells
Labour Peer
Politics, Law and Religion
First black female on Greater London Council's training board & Governor of the University of Greenwich
7
Tandy Anderson
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Co-founder of Select Model Management
8
Carol Lake
Businessperson
Business, Corporate, Financiers & Entrepreneurs
Managing director and co-head of marketing at JP Morgan
9
Michelle Ogundehin
Editor
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Editor-in-Chief of Elle Decoration
10
Sonita Alleyne , OBE
Businessperson
Media, Publishing and Entertainment
Director of Somethin' Else
See also
References
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External links