Top 100 'most influential' black people in UK unveiled » Communities » 24dash.com

A list of 100 of the most influential black people in the UK explodes the myth that African Caribbeans are not achieving success, senior figures said today.

The Power List 2007, researched over six months for leading black newspaper New Nation, lists 50 men and 50 women including company directors, politicians and top media and business executives, but includes just two sportsmen.

The men's top ten list features award-winning architect David Adjaye and oil magnate Michael Prest but was topped by Damon Buffini. Mr Buffini, managing partner at Permira and often seen as king of the City's private equity barons, was recently appointed to Prime Minister Gordon Brown's business advisory panel.

At number eight was F1 driver Lewis Hamilton who, with his father Anthony, completed "Team Hamilton". The other sportsman was Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

Writing in the Observer, Mr Eboda said Drogba was included not for his goal-scoring but for his peacemaking efforts in his native Ivory Coast.

In the women's rankings, Attorney General Baroness Scotland was named the most influential in a table including Labour peers Baroness Amos and Baroness Howells, and supermodel Naomi Campbell. No sportswomen appeared in the list.

New Nation editor Michael Eboda said: "The Power List explodes the myth that African Caribbeans are not achieving anything and has uncovered some great success stories. By doing so, we have also dispelled the recently trumpeted belief that there is a dearth of African Caribbean role models."

Lee Jasper, Director for Equalities and Policing at the Greater London Authority and number 10 in the rankings, said: "The Power List could not be more timely and is a great advert for the truly diverse, influential and inspirational examples of achievement in Britain's African Caribbean communities."

Top 10 Men

1. Damon Buffini, Managing Partner, Permira

2. Dr Mo Ibrahim, Chairman of Celtel International/Mo Ibrahim Foundation

3. Michael Prest, Physical oil Trader

4. Trevor Faure, Vice President & General Counsel, Tyco International

5. Tidjane Thiam, Group Executive Director, Aviva Europe

6. Stanley Musesengwa, COO, Tate & Lyle

7. Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York

8. Team Hamilton (Anthony and Lewis Hamilton), F1

9. David Lammy, Skills Minister (DIUS)

10. Lee Jasper, Director for Equalities & Policing, GLA

Top 10 Women

1. Baroness Scotland, Attorney General

2. Baroness Amos, Labour Peer

3. Heather Rabbatts Executive Chair, Millwall Holdings plc

4. Naomi Campbell, Supermodel

5. Clare Ighodaro, Non-executive Director, Banking Code Standards Board

6. Baroness Howells, Labour Peer

7. Tandy Anderson, Co-founder/CEO Select Models

8. Carol Lake, Managing Director & Co-Head Marketing & Communication JPMorgan

9. Michelle Ogundehin, Editor, Elle Decoration

10. Sonita Alleyne, Director, Somethin Else

:: The Power List is free inside New Nation newspaper tomorrow.

Copyright Press Association 2007

Don't miss the 24dash.com audio bulletins for the latest news and information - http://www.24dash.com/podcasts