City of London Chief Ian Thomas named UK's most influential black person

Ian Thomas, chief executive of the City of London Corporation, has been recognised as the most influential black person in the United Kingdom. Mr Thomas, 57, secured a top 10 position on the Powerlist, ranking above figures such as actor Sir Idris Elba and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett. The list, published on Saturday, October 31, celebrates influential individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage.

Mr Thomas holds the position of the 51st Town Clerk of London. His leadership marks a significant milestone as the first black person to head the City of London Corporation in its more than 900-year history. This achievement was acknowledged at the Celebration of Black Excellence Awards ceremony held at Grosvenor House in London on Friday night.

Powerlist's Purpose and Recognition

The Powerlist aims to showcase possibilities for young people of African and African-Caribbean heritage by highlighting successful individuals across various sectors. Michael Eboda, chief executive of Powerful Media, stated that the list's purpose has remained consistent: "to show young people of African and African-Caribbean heritage what is possible, in fields they might never have considered but which are accessible." He added that talent is present in all communities, and the Powerlist offers a platform to celebrate exceptional talent within Britain's Black community.

Previous recipients of the top honour on the Powerlist have included former British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful and Formula One champion Sir Lewis Hamilton. The 2027 Powerlist's top 10 also features Comfort Ero, president and CEO of the International Crisis Group; Professor Grace Ononiwu CBE, director general of legal delivery at the Crown Prosecution Service; and Emma Grede, chief executive and co-founder of Good American and founding partner of Skims.

Other notable figures recognised at the awards ceremony included actor Ashley Walters, who received a Paramount Entertainer Award. Sir Lenny Henry was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his substantial contributions to British culture and society. Sir Lenny Henry co-founded Comic Relief, which has raised over £1 billion for charity, and established the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity and a production company focused on championing underrepresented voices.