Ian Thomas, the chief executive of the City of London Corporation, has been named the UK’s most influential Black Briton in this year’s Black Powerlist awards. Now in its 21st year, the prestigious list highlights individuals of African and Caribbean heritage who have dismantled barriers to reach top-tier leadership roles, serving as an inspiration for future generations. Which recognises the most powerful people of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK, thomas tops the 2027 Black Powerlist.
The 57-year-old official holds the distinction of being the first Black person to lead the governing body of the Square Mile in its more than 900-year history. The Corporation serves as the administrative authority for London’s primary financial district, managing responsibilities that include the City of London Police, advocacy for the nation’s financial services, and the maintenance of 11,000 acres of green space, such as Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath. He oversees around 5,000 staff with responsibilities including the City of London Police, 11,000 acres of open spaces such as Epping Forest and Hampstead Heath, and advocacy for the UK’s financial and, as chief executive.
Award organisers commended Thomas as a respected leader in public service, citing his more than three decades of local government experience. Thomas secured his current position in 2022 following a rigorous selection process that involved seven interviews and an election. Commenting on the recognition, he expressed humility, stating that when he began his journey in public service, he never imagined receiving such an honour. According to the award body, He was “a respected public-service leader with over 30 years’ experience in local government”. 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.
Born in Sheffield to parents who were part of the Windrush generation, Thomas attributes his success to the lessons of discipline and respect instilled during his upbringing. According to they worked incredibly hard and instilled that sense of discipline and respect, and that’s the core of how I do business,” he, Of his upbringing.
Before his tenure at the City of London, he served as chief executive of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, where he managed a £1.2bn regeneration project.
His leadership in public services also saw him appointed a CBE in the 2019 New Year Honours, an award recognising his efforts in transforming children’s services while at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council following the abuse scandal.
Reflecting on his career path, which once included aspirations of being a professional footballer, Thomas noted the importance of chasing dreams while remaining flexible enough to embrace new directions. He succeeds last year’s top-ranked individual, Bank of England chief financial officer Afua Kyei, and leads a list that includes Comfort Ero, President of the International Crisis Group, in second place. Reflecting on his own change of direction, Thomas joked it was about “following dreams and if they don’t come true⦠there’s always something else”.
Other notable figures appearing in this year’s top ten include entrepreneurs Steven Bartlett and Emma Grede, as well as filmmaker and actor Sir Idris Elba. Additionally, the event honoured comedian Sir Lenny Henry with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as a co-founder of Comic Relief, which has successfully raised more than £1.6bn since its inception in 1985.
Michael Eboda, the publisher of the list, emphasised that the project aims to demonstrate to young people of African and Caribbean heritage the vast range of possibilities available to them, even in career paths they might have previously overlooked.
