Afua Kyei, Ian Wright and Dame Pat McGrath lead the Powerlist 2026’s celebration of Black trailblazers
AFUA KYEI, the Bank of England’s Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director has been named as the UK’s most influential Black person by the Powerlist 2026.
Kyei is one of the UK’s most senior finance leaders. She is the Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director at the Bank of England, leading financial governance of the £1 trillion balance sheet, funding reforms, and Payments critical national infrastructure upgrades while championing diversity and climate disclosure.
She replaces last year’s number one, Tech CEO Dean Forbes, and is joined on this year’s list by former England and Arsenal footballer turned pundit Ian Wright who takes second place on the list.
World-renowned makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur Dame Pat McGrath, founder of billion-dollar brand Pat McGrath Labs takes the third spot on the list.
Kyei said: “It is an incredible honour to be named Number One on thePowerlistin its 20th year. To be recognised alongside so many extraordinary individuals, past and present, is profoundly humbling. For me, this award is not about personal achievement – it is about representation, visibility, and possibility. I am especially delighted that someone from the public sector and financial services is being recognised in this way.”
She added: “When young people see themselves reflected in spaces where they may not have imagined belonging, it changes what they believe is achievable. I hope my journey can encourage others to follow their dreams, pursue their passions, and to believe they can get to the very top.”
This year’s Powerlistees were honoured at the Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards at JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane in London.
Football legend and broadcaster Ian Wright ranks second on the Powerlist 2026, recognised for his impact on and off the pitch
The event was co-hosted by broadcaster and former elite sprinter Jeanette Kwakye MBE and Tim Campbell MBE, entrepreneur and advocate of inclusive leadership and advisor to Lord Sugar on BBC show The Apprentice.
Entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor Steven Bartlett, and actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist Idris Elba OBE also feature in the top 10 alongside Emma Grede CEO and Co-Founder, Good American, Founding Partner, SKIMS and Ije Nwokorie, Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martens.
Newcomers on the Powerlist 2026, in partnership with J.P. Morgan, HSBC, and Gold Sponsor PwC, include actress Cynthia Erivo, DJ AG, the open-format DJ who has turned the streets of London and cities across the world into vibrant stages; and stylist, entrepreneur, brand ambassador for Marks and Spencer Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe who has worked with clients include Stormzy and Anthony Joshua.
The annual list recognising the most powerful people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage is this year celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Over the past two decades the Powerlist it has shone a light on leaders and trailblazers who have had an impact by breaking barriers, redefining success, and inspiring future generations.
It has become Britain’s pre-eminent celebration of Black talent in Britain, having been launched in 2006 by Powerful Media Ltd to celebrate and highlight the achievements of inspirational and influential people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage in the UK.
Sir Lewis Hamilton, Edward Enninful OBE, Karen Blackett CBE, and Dame Sharon White are just a few of the high-profile names to have been awarded the coveted title as Powerlist Number One over the years.
Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media Ltd, said: “When we launched thePowerlistback in 2006, our aim was simple – to highlight role models whose achievements could inspire others.
“What has happened over the past twenty years has exceeded anything we imagined. It has created visibility, shifted perceptions and, most importantly, shown young Black people that there is no limit to what they can achieve. To mark this 20th anniversary with Afua Kyei at Number 1 feels especially powerful – she embodies the leadership, resilience, and vision that thePowerlistwas created to honour.”
Keisha Bell, Global Head of the Office of Black Affairs for JP Morgan Chase, added: “The Powerlist has become a national institution. To celebrate its 20th year with Afua Kyei at Number 1 is both a recognition of her leadership and a statement about the continuing influence of Black excellence in shaping Britain’s future.”
The full Powerlist 2026 Top 10 is:
- Afua Kyei – Chief Financial Officer & Executive Director, Bank of England
- Ian Wright – Football Legend, Broadcaster & Advocate for Equity in Sport (New)
- Dame Pat McGrath – Makeup artist/Founder, Pat McGrath Labs
- Pamela Maynard – Chief AI Transformation Officer, Microsoft MCAPS
- Joshua Siaw – Partner, White & Case
- Tunde Olanrewaju – Senior Partner and Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company Europe
- Steven Bartlett – Entrepreneur and Dragon, Dragon’s Den
- Emma Grede – CEO and Co-Founder, Good American; Founding Partner, SKIMS
- Idris Elba, OBE – Actor, Filmmaker, Philanthropist
- Ije Nwokorie – Chief Executive Officer, Dr Martens PLC
