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Fri, 30 Oct 2026

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 City of London chief tops UK Black Powerlist

Ian Thomas, who heads the City of London Corporation, tops the Black Powerlist in its 21st year.

* Ian Thomas, CEO of City of London Corporation, has been named the UK's most influential Black Briton in the Black Powerlist awards.
* He is the first Black person to lead the corporation, which governs London's central financial district and has a 900-year history.
* The award recognizes individuals who have broken through barriers to reach leadership roles and inspire future generations.
* Thomas was appointed CEO after seven interviews and an election in 2022, and oversees around 5,000 staff with responsibilities including the City of London Police and open spaces like Epping Forest.
* He was born in Sheffield to parents from Jamaica as part of the Windrush generation and has had a long career in public service.
* Thomas replaces last year's incumbent, Afua Hirsch, and is joined on this year's list by Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the International Crisis Group.
* The Black Powerlist celebrates people who have achieved success despite facing barriers and encourages young people from African and Caribbean heritage to consider leadership roles.