City of London chief tops Black Powerlist as Sir Lenny Henry wins lifetime award

Ian Thomas, chief executive of the City of London Corporation, has been named the UK's most influential Black Briton in this year's Black Powerlist, while comedian Sir Lenny Henry, from Dudley, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award.

The Black Powerlist, now in its 21st year, recognises the most powerful people of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK.

A first for the Square Mile

Thomas, 57, is the first Black person to run the City of London Corporation, the governing body of London's central financial district, in its more than 900-year history. The award body described him as "a respected public-service leader with over 30 years' experience in local government".

He secured the role in 2022 after seven interviews and an election. As chief executive, he oversees around 5,000 staff, with responsibilities including the City of London Police and 11,000 acres of open spaces such as Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath.

"When I started my journey in public service, I never, ever thought, [not] in a million years, that I'd be recognised in this way," he told the BBC.

Windrush roots

Thomas was born in Sheffield to parents who left Jamaica as part of the Windrush generation. "They worked incredibly hard and instilled that sense of discipline and respect, and that's the core of how I do business," he said.

Before joining the City of London Corporation, he was chief executive of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. He was appointed CBE in 2019 for transforming children's services in Rotherham.

Growing up, Thomas wanted to be a footballer and took part in trials alongside Alan Shearer. Reflecting on his change of direction, he joked that it was about "following dreams and if they don't come true... there's always something else".

He takes over the top spot from last year's winner, Afua Kyei, the Bank of England's chief financial officer.

Lifetime honour for Sir Lenny

Sir Lenny Henry has been recognised for co-founding Comic Relief, which has raised more than £1.6 billion since 1985. The comedian, actor and writer grew up in Dudley and has remained a proud champion of the Black Country throughout his career.

Others in this year's top ten include entrepreneurs Emma Grede and Steven Bartlett and actor and filmmaker Sir Idris Elba. Comfort Ero, president and chief executive of the International Crisis Group, takes second place.

"What is possible"

The list's publisher, Michael Eboda, said: "It exists to show young people of African and Caribbean heritage what is possible, in fields they might never have considered."

For young people in Birmingham and the Black Country, it is a list full of role models, from public service and business to entertainment, and a reminder that leadership can be found in every field.