Ian Wright, Dame Pat McGrath and Idris Elba all make the Top 10 as the Powerlist celebrates its 20th Anniversary
London, Friday 24 October 2025 – Afua Kyei, the Bank of England’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director has been named as the UK’s most influential Black person by the Powerlist 2026.
The annual list recognising the most powerful people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary. Over the past two decades it has shone a light on leaders and trailblazers who have had an impact by breaking barriers, redefining success, and inspiring future generations.
Kyei is one of the UK’s most senior finance leaders. She is the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director at the Bank of England, leading financial governance of the £1 trillion balance sheet, funding reforms, and Payments critical national infrastructure upgrades while championing diversity and climate disclosure. She replaces last year’s number one, Tech CEO Dean Forbes, and is joined on this year’s list by former England and Arsenal footballer turned pundit Ian Wright who takes second place on the list.
World-renowned makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur Dame Pat McGrath, founder of billion-dollar brand Pat McGrath Labs takes the third spot on the list. Entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor Steven Bartlett, and actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist Idris Elba OBE also feature in the top 10 alongside Emma Grede CEO and Co-Founder, Good American, Founding Partner, SKIMS and Ije Nwokorie, Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martens.
The full Powerlist 2026 Top 10 is as follows:
- Afua Kyei – Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director, Bank of England
- Ian Wright – Football Legend, Broadcaster & Advocate for Equity in Sport (New)
- Dame Pat McGrath – Makeup artist/Founder, Pat McGrath Labs
- Pamela Maynard – Chief AI Transformation Officer, Microsoft MCAPS
- Joshua Siaw – Partner, White & Case
- Tunde Olanrewaju – Senior Partner and Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company Europe
- Steven Bartlett – Entrepreneur and Dragon, Dragon’s Den
- Emma Grede – CEO and Co-Founder, Good American; Founding Partner, SKIMS
- Idris Elba, OBE – Actor, Filmmaker, Philanthropist
- Ije Nwokorie – Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martens PLC
Newcomers on the Powerlist 2026, in partnership with J.P. Morgan, HSBC, and Gold Sponsor PwC, include actress Cynthia Erivo, DJ AG, the open-format DJ who has turned the streets of London and cities across the world into vibrant stages; and stylist, entrepreneur, brand ambassador for Marks and Spencer Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe who has worked with clients include Stormzy and Anthony Joshua.
The Powerlist has become Britain’s pre-eminent celebration of Black talent in Britain, having been launched in 2006 by Powerful Media Ltd to celebrate and highlight the achievements of inspirational and influential people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage in the UK. What began as an annual publication has, over the past 20 years, evolved into a powerful platform that not only recognises and honours Black excellence across a wide range of sectors, but also plays a pivotal role in reshaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and inspiring future generations of leaders.
Afua Kyei said: “It is an incredible honour to be named Number One on the Powerlist in its 20th year. To be recognised alongside so many extraordinary individuals, past and present, is profoundly humbling. For me, this award is not about personal achievement – it is about representation, visibility, and possibility. I am especially delighted that someone from the public sector and financial services is being recognised in this way.”
“When young people see themselves reflected in spaces where they may not have imagined belonging, it changes what they believe is achievable. I hope my journey can encourage others to follow their dreams, pursue their passions, and to believe they can get to the very top.”
The Powerlist has been a beacon for two decades, and I am proud to be part of that legacy.”
This year’s Powerlistees will be honoured tonight at the Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, which will be co-hosted by broadcaster and former elite sprinter Jeanette Kwakye MBE and Tim Campbell MBE, entrepreneur and advocate of inclusive leadership and advisor to Lord Sugar on The Apprentice.
Sir Lewis Hamilton, Edward Enninful OBE, Karen Blackett CBE, and Dame Sharon White are just a few of the high-profile names to have been awarded the coveted title as Powerlist Number One over the years.
Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media Ltd, said: “When we launched the Powerlist back in 2006, our aim was simple – to highlight role models whose achievements could inspire others. What has happened over the past twenty years has exceeded anything we imagined. It has created visibility, shifted perceptions and, most importantly, shown young Black people that there is no limit to what they can achieve. To mark this 20th anniversary with Afua Kyei at Number 1 feels especially powerful – she embodies the leadership, resilience, and vision that the Powerlist was created to honour.”
As the Powerlist enters its third decade, its message is clear – Black talent is not just part of the story of modern Britain – it is at its very centre.
Keisha Bell, Global Head of the Office of Black Affairs for JP Morgan Chase, added: “The Powerlist has become a national institution. To celebrate its 20th year with Afua Kyei at Number 1 is both a recognition of her leadership and a statement about the continuing influence of Black excellence in shaping Britain’s future.”
Craig Cuffie, Group Chief Procurement Officer at HSBC added: “For twenty years, the Powerlist has amplified the voices and achievements of Black leaders whose impact is felt across every part of British society. At HSBC, we are proud to support this milestone anniversary and to celebrate Afua Kyei’s well-deserved recognition at Number 1. Her finance leadership, together with the brilliance of all those featured, reflects the talent, resilience and vision that are shaping a more inclusive and dynamic future for the UK.”
Judging criteria for the Powerlist is based on its definition of influence: “The ability to positively alter events and change lives as demonstrated over a reasonable period of time.” The previous year’s winner is automatically entered into the Hall of Fame.
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Notes to Editors
1.The Powerlist 2026 and Celebration of Black Excellence Awards takes place on Friday October 24th, 2025, Grosvenor House, 86-90 Park Lane, London.
Established in 2006 by Powerful Media Ltd, the Powerlist was created to celebrate and shine a light on the UK’s most inspirational and influential people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Powerlist has grown into a vital platform that not only recognises Black excellence across sectors but also helps to reframe narratives, influence perceptions, and empower the next generation of leaders.
2. Judging
Entrants were judged on their “ability to change lives and alter events, as demonstrated over a protracted period of time and in a positive manner”.
An independent panel of judges selected the Powerlist 2026.
The full Powerlist 2026 judging panel consisted of:
- Dr. Jacky Wright, NED, Tech Exec, most recently Sr. Partner and Chief Technology Officer for McKinsey (Chair)
- Adenike Adenitire, Director of Editorial, Powerful Media Ltd
- Shauna Roper – Chief of Staff, Global Procurement, HSBC
- Alwin Swales – Partner, PwC UK
- Cecil Peters – Global Head of Supplier Issue Management Oversight, JPMorganChase
- Sonia Meggie – Talent Delivery, Bloomberg
- David Ziyambi – Partner, Latham & Watkins
- Tim Campbell – Business Entrepreneur
3. Previous Powerlist number ones, now inducted into the Hall of Fame, include prominent figures such as CEO of Forterro, Dean Forbes; former Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful OBE; former John Lewis Chair, Dame Sharon White; campaigner Gina Miller; Sir Damon Buffini; former Children’s Laureate, Malorie Blackman; philanthropist, Sir Mo Ibrahim; Former CEO of Group M UK, Karen Blackett OBE; entrepreneur, educational philanthropist and Chairperson of the Rugby Football Union, Tom Ilube; former Credit Suisse CEO and Executive Chairman of Freedom Acquisition Corp, Tidjane Thiam; diplomat, barrister and politician, Baroness Scotland; Founder and Co-Chair of Tristan Capital Partners, Ric Lewis; Founder and Chairman of WorldRemit, Ismail Ahmed; seven-time Formula One World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton; and Senior Partner and Chief Technology and Platform Officer at McKinsey, and former Corporate Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Microsoft US, Jacky Wright.
4. The Powerlist was launched in 2005 to showcase black role models to young people. It is now regarded as the leading authority on issues of black influence.
5. The Powerlist is open to Black Britons wherever they live in the world and to anyone in the UK who is of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage.
6.Politicians and the Powerlist. Why there are no parliamentary politicians in the Powerlist:
In 2024’s judging session, it was resolved that the Powerlist would no longer include parliamentary politicians in its annual rankings.
The Powerlist has proudly upheld a non-partisan and apolitical ethos since its inception. It never, for example, asks any of the nominees about their political leanings, and they are not judged on that basis either.
The decision to exclude parliamentary politicians from the Powerlist marks a significant shift in the list’s trajectory and reflects the evolving challenges posed by the political landscape and underscores the Powerlist’s unwavering commitment to its mission of recognising and celebrating excellence within black communities free from the constraints of political biases and affiliations.
2026 Powerlistees – The full listing of the Powerlist 2026 is as follows.
NEW entrants are highlighted in bold.
Top 10 (ranked)
1. Afua Kyei – Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, Bank of England
2. Ian Wright – Football Legend, Broadcaster & Advocate for Equity in Sport
3. Pat McGrath – Makeup artist/Founder, Pat McGrath Labs
4. Pamela Maynard – Chief AI Transformation Officer Microsoft MCAPS
5. Joshua Siaw – Partner, White & Case
6. Tunde Olanrewaju – Senior Partner and Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company Europe
7. Steven Bartlett – Entrepreneur and Dragon, Dragon’s Den
8. Emma Grede – CEO and Co-Founder Good American; Founding Partner, SKIMS
9. Idris Elba, OBE – Actor, Filmmaker, Philanthropist
- Ije Nwokorie – Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martens PLC
The list below is not ranked:
Arts
Alex Dauley, Interior Designer, Dauley Design; Co-Founder, United in Design
Cassa Pancho, Founder, artistic director and CEO, Ballet Black
Ekow Eshun, Cultural commentator, curator, broadcaster, writer
Eva Langret, Director EMEA, Frieze
Grace Wales Bonner, Fashion Designer
Gus Casely-Hayford, Director, V&A East
Hayden Williams, Fashion Illustrator & Designer
Hurvin Anderson, Artist
Maximilian Davis, Creative Director, Ferragamo
Michael Armitage, Artist
Misan Harriman, Photographer, Filmmaker, and Social Activist
Osei Bonsu, Curator and Writer
Samuel Ross MBE, Designer; Artistic Director, 2025 London Design Biennale
Sir Frank Bowling, Artist
Business
Adejoke Bakare, Chef-owner, Chishuru
Alexander and Oliver Kent-Braham, Co-Founders, Marshmallow
Justin Onuekwusi, CIO, St. James’s Place
Aji Akokomi, Founder, Akoko
Anthony Laville, Property developer
Antoine Dixon-Bellot, Entrepreneur
Bolaji Sofoluwe, Managing Director, Enterprise Trade and Knowledge Group
Camille Drummond, Senior Vice President for Finance Business and Technology, BP
Casyo ‘Krept’ Johnson, CEO, Nala’s Baby skincare
Claudia Osei-Nsafoah, Chief People Officer, Sky
Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, Co-founder at Redington, Mallowstreet and 10,000 Interns Foundation
Eros Marshall, Head of UK Financial Institutions, Europe & UK Asset Management, Banking & International, Citigroup
Frank Okoisor, Executive Chairman, Toyota Connected Europe; Global Deputy Chief People Officer, Toyota Connected Group
Funmi Adegoke, CEO, Safety Sector, Halma plc
Gavin Lewis, Managing Director, Head of UK & Ireland Institutional, BlackRock
Georgia Wilson, Executive CFO/COO, Branding Science Group
Hannah Reid, People Director, EMEIA, Apple
John McCalla-Leacy, Head of Global Environment, Social & Governance (ESG), KPMG International, and ESG Vice Chairman, KPMG UK
Kene Ejikeme, Partner, Head of High Touch Execution in EMEA, Goldman Sachs
Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Middle East and Turkey, Meta
Kokou Agbo-Bloua, Global Head of Economics, Cross-Asset and Quant Research at Société Generale Corporate and Investment Banking (SGCIB)
Magnus Djaba, Chief Client Officer, Publicis Groupe
Monica Meade, Global Head of Audit for Technology, Real-Time Payments, and Transfer Solutions, Mastercard
Ola Fadipe, Senior Director, People Experience, Google
Tevin Tobun, CEO, GV Group (Gate Ventures) and ROUTD
Tokunboh Ishmael, Managing Partner, Alitheia Capital
Tosin Akinluyi, Managing Director, Head of EMEA Macro Research (Fixed Income Research and Economics), Morgan Stanley
Yemi Edun, Founder and CEO, Daniel Ford & Co and Daniel Ford International
Media, Publishing, Entertainment & Sport
Afua Hirsch, Journalist, Author, Broadcaster
Alex Scott MBE Ex-England footballer, TV presenter
Andrea Thompson, Editor-in-Chief, Marie Claire
Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu, Rapper, Writer, Director, Producer
Anne Mensah, Vice President Content UK, Netflix
Austin Daboh, Executive Vice President UK; President of Black Music, Atlantic Records
Bernadine Evaristo, Writer; Professor of Creative Writing, Brunel
Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content, British Vogue
Cynthia Erivo, Actress
Damson Idris, Actor and producer
Debbie Ramsay Editor, Channel 5 News
DJ AG, Street DJ, Cultural Curator & Viral Pioneer
Dominic Carter, Executive Vice President, Publisher, The Sun
Glyn Aikins, Co-President, RCA UK and Since 93
Joivan Wade and Percelle Ascott (Wall of Entertainment), Co-Founders, Wall of Entertainment
Kenya Hunt, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE UK
Koby ‘Post’ Hagan, Founder, GRM (Grime and Rap Music) Daily
KSI, Influencer, Musician, Entrepreneur
Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe, Founder, Melissa’s Wardrobe and It’s a Lifestyle Hun
Patricia Bright, Digital Content Creator and Entrepreneur
Riki Bleau, Founder and Co-President, Since ’93
Safiya Lambie-Knight, Head of Music Partnerships, Spotify Northern Europe
Sheniece Charway, Head of Black Music and Culture EMEA, YouTube
Stormzy, Grime artist and philanthropist
Politics, Law & Religion
Harry Matovu, Barrister and King’s Counsel
Jacqueline McKenzie, Specialist Windrush solicitor, Partner, Leigh Day
Sandra Wallace, Deputy Managing Partner & Managing Director Practice Groups, DLA Piper International
Sandra Paul, Partner, Kingsley Napley
Segun Osuntokun, Partner in Charge UK, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
Public & Third Sector
Andrew Fairbairn, Co-Chair and Co-Founder, SEO London; Executive Vice President, SEO USA
Comfort Ero, President & CEO, Crisis Group
Eva Omaghomi, Founder, Forster Jones & Associates; community engagement adviser to King Charles
Ian Thomas, Town Clerk and Chief Executive, City of London Corporation
Professor Patricia Kingori, Senior Investigator, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford
Raphael Sofoluke, Entrepreneur, speaker and founder, Black Business Show
Science, Medicine & Engineering
Dr Emmanuel Ako, Consultant Cardiologist
Gisela Abbam, Chair, General Pharmaceutical Council & Senior Director, Government Affairs, Revvity
Joy Odili, Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Martin Griffiths, Consultant Trauma and Vascular Surgeon, Barts NHS Health Trust & National Clinical Director for Violence Reduction, NHS England
Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (London); Regional Director of Public Health, NHS London; Statutory Health Advisor to the Mayor of London, GLA and London Assembly
Samantha Tross, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sylvia Bartley, Chief of Staff for Strategy and Transformation, the Dean and EVP of Health Affairs, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
Technology
Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Google Africa
Anne-Marie Imafidon, CEO and Co-Founder, STEMettes
Belton Flournoy, Managing Director, Protiviti Technology Consulting
Lisa Smith, Partner, EMEA GenAI & Spatial Computing Practice Lead, Deloitte Digital (Customer & Marketing)
Simon Hepburn, FRSA, Chief Executive, The Security Institute
Vanessa Kingori MBE, Managing Director of Technology, Media, and Telecoms, Google UK & Ireland
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