Edward Enninful Tops List as the Most Influential Black Figure in the UK

Edward Enninful, the editor-in-chief of British Vogue and European editorial director of Vogue, has secured the top spot as the most influential black figure in the United Kingdom, as per Powerlist 2024. The annual Powerlist, compiled by Powerful Media, celebrates the accomplishments of individuals of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage. Now in its 18th year, the Powerlist serves as an inspiring resource for young people in search of black role models.

Enninful, who achieved a historic milestone as the first Black man to lead the prestigious British fashion magazine, will soon step down from his role to focus on global brand expansion and other projects. He also holds the position of European editorial director for Condé Nast.

Born in Ghana and having relocated to London at a young age with his family, Enninful’s journey into the fashion world began during his teenage years when he was discovered while riding a train and briefly worked as a model. His editorial career commenced at just 18, and he became the youngest editor at a major international fashion publication when he assumed the role of fashion director at British youth culture magazine i-D.

Enninful expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, describing it as an honor to top the Powerlist. He views the list as shedding light on individuals who break barriers and champion diversity within their respective industries.

Powerlist 2024 features a diverse array of accomplished individuals from various fields, including business, science, technology, and the arts. Notable figures on this year’s list include Afua Kyei, the chief financial officer of the Bank of England, and Steven Bartlett, known for his role on the TV show Dragon’s Den and as a popular podcaster.

The top 10 figures on Powerlist 2024 are as follows:

1. Edward Enninful, OBE – editor-in-chief of British Vogue, European editorial director of Vogue
2. Dean Forbes – CEO, Forterro, Partner Corten Capital
3. Afua Kyei – chief financial officer, Bank of England
4. Marvin Rees – mayor of Bristol
5. Tunde Olanrewaju – senior partner and managing partner, McKinsey & Company
6. Joshua Siaw, MBE – partner, White & Case
7. Syreeta Brown – group chief people and communications officer, Virgin Money UK
8. Paulette Simpson, CBE – executive, corporate affairs and public policy, Jamaica National Bank; executive director, The Voice Media Group
9. Vanessa Kingori, CBE – chief business officer, Condé Britain, Vogue European business advisor
10. Lord Woolley of Woodford – co-founder, Operation Black Vote, and principal, Homerton College, Cambridge University.