Faith Nyasuguta
Edward Enninful (pictured above), the outgoing editor-in-chief of British Vogue, has achieved the remarkable distinction of being named the UK’s most influential Black person.
This recognition is part of the Powerlist, an annual celebration of individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage who have demonstrated their ability to make a positive and lasting impact across various sectors, from business to the arts.
Edward Enninful expressed his honor and highlighted the importance of the Powerlist in promoting diversity and recognizing those who are breaking boundaries within their industries.
The Powerlist Black Excellence Awards for 2024, which showcase these influential figures, will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
This accolade for Enninful is particularly significant as a recent survey revealed that over half of Britons cannot name a single Black British historical figure.
The survey, commissioned by Bloomsbury Publishing (UK), showed that while 75% of respondents admitted to knowing very little or nothing about Black British history, 53% could not recall any Black British historical figures.
Edward Enninful, who announced his departure as the editor of British Vogue in June, will oversee his final edition in March 2024. At the age of 18, he began his editorial career as the fashion director of the British youth culture magazine i-D, making him the youngest editor at a major international fashion publication.
He is set to take on new roles as Vogue’s global creative and cultural adviser, along with being an editorial adviser at British Vogue.
His successor, Chioma Nnadi, currently the editor of Vogue’s US edition website, will take over the role of editor-in-chief. Michael Eboda, the CEO of Powerful Media, the publisher of the Powerlist, commended the Powerlist’s enduring commitment to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of exceptional Black role models in Britain.
He congratulated Edward Enninful, stating that his vision and passion for fashion and diversity have influenced the global industry, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.
The Top 10 of Powerlist 2024 includes:
- Edward Enninful – Editor-in-chief, British Vogue, and European editorial director, Vogue
- Dean Forbes – Chief executive, Forterro, and partner at Corten Capital
- Afua Kyei – Chief financial officer of Bank of England
- Marvin Rees – Mayor of Bristol
- Tunde Olanrewaju – Senior partner and managing partner, McKinsey
- Joshua Siaw – Partner at White & Case law firm
- Syreeta Brown – Group chief people and communications officer, Virgin Money UK
- Paulette Simpson – Executive, corporate affairs and public policy, Jamaica National bank and executive director, The Voice Media Group
- Vanessa Kingori – Chief business officer, Condé Nast Britain, and Vogue European business adviser
- Simon Woolley – Peer, co-founder of Operation Black Vote and principal, Homerton College, Cambridge University.
This recognition reflects the impact of Edward Enninful’s work in the fashion industry and his significant contributions to promoting diversity and inclusivity.
The Powerlist continues to honor Black individuals who have made positive and lasting contributions across various fields, inspiring future generations.
RELATED:
