Andrea Thompson

  Powerlistee
  Media, Publishing, Entertainment, Sport

Andrea Thompson is Editor-in-Chief at UK Marie Claire, now a digital-first brand boasting more than seven million readers a month across its online channels. When she stepped into the role in 2019, she became the first Black woman to become editor-in-chief of a mainstream fashion magazine.

Earlier this year, she was also appointed Chair of the British Society of Magazine Editors, having previously acted as Vice Chair and Head of DEI, making her the organisation’s first Black chair.

Noting that the magazine industry is at a “critical point,” she said new technologies and a rapidly changing media landscape gave opportunities to “evolve and engage with new audiences in innovative ways across multiple platforms.” She added: “My priorities for the society will be innovating to attract new members, as well as supporting existing ones through inspiring agenda-setting events, panels, and expert masterclasses that address the day-to-day challenges of our jobs.

A key focus will also be addressing the deep-seated issues with diversity in our industry. It’s vital that the BSME and our industry is somewhere talented journalists – from all backgrounds – feel is inclusive, representative of society and allows them to thrive as themselves.”

At Marie Claire, Andrea has overseen the brand’s journey to digital-first, having taken on the top job shortly after the company decided to shut its print edition. She first joined the then-magazine as Features Director in 2010 and subsequently became Deputy Editor. Before that, she was a commissioning editor at the Daily Mail and a news features director at Grazia. She has written for a range of publications over a 20-year career, including The Sunday Times, The Guardian, and Glamour.

View other Powerlistees, view the top 10, or take a look at the Powerlist Alumni.