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 Sir 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
- Sir 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.
