City of London Chief Named UK's Most Influential Black Briton

Ian Thomas, chief executive of the City of London Corporation, has been named the UK's most influential Black Briton on the 2027 Black Powerlist. Thomas, 57, is the first Black individual to lead the Square Mile's governing body in its over 900-year history.

The City of London Corporation is responsible for the administration of London's central financial district and is headed by its own Lord Mayor.

The Black Powerlist recognizes influential people of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK. The award body cited Thomas as "a respected public-service leader with over 30 years' experience in local government."

This year's list also includes entrepreneurs Emma Grede and Steven Bartlett, and actor and filmmaker Sir Idris Elba. Comedian Sir Lenny Henry received a Lifetime Achievement award for his co-founding of Comic Relief, an initiative that has raised more than £1.6 billion since 1985.

Now in its 21st year, the Black Powerlist aims to highlight individuals who have overcome barriers to attain leadership roles, serving as inspiration for future generations. "It exists to show young people of African and Caribbean heritage what is possible, in fields they might never have considered," said Michael Eboda, the list's publisher.