There’s never been a more exciting time for female leaders in London. Women are taking the helm at major cultural institutions and breaking down barriers across theatre, tech, fashion and football. As we mark International Women’s Day, meet the trailblazers shaping our city today.
Vanessa Kingori
Kingori has always been a trailblazer. She was the first black female publishing director at British Vogue before becoming Condé Nast’s chief business officer, and is now the most senior black leader across Europe at Google as director of tech, media and telecoms. Her mantra is the best work is done when there is a “diversity of perspective” in the workplace.
Indhu Rubasingham
“Theatre sits beautifully in the grey area, in the nuance,” says Rubasingham. “That’s what I want to celebrate.” As she becomes the first female artistic director of the National this spring, theatre-goers can expect boundary-pushing programming that encourages conversation.
Amelia Dimoldenberg
No one has been on more first “dates” with celebrities than Dimoldenberg, who has courted stars including Billie Eilish, Louis Theroux, Andrew Garfield and Central Cee in chicken shops across London for her hit YouTube series, Chicken Shop Date. Her deadpan style makes the interviews (sorry, dates) a joy to watch.
Poppy Gustafsson
Baroness Gustafsson wants Britain to become a tech powerhouse. The former cyber-security CEO was ennobled by Sir Keir Starmer to take on her new government role, where she is responsible for promoting the UK to investors and businesses. She believes Britain needs to show a little more “swagger” on the international stage.
Sharon Horgan
If it’s smart, funny, and brutally honest, chances are Horgan is behind it. The Irish writer, producer and actor has given us award-winning series including Catastrophe, Motherland and Bad Sisters. With her signature mix of dark humour and emotional depth, she’s cemented herself as one of the most formidable forces in TV.
Sally Abé
The chef’s new memoir, with the tongue-in-cheek title A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen, provides an unflinching insight into the sexism that is still very much alive and well in restaurant kitchens. Abé is on a mission to change the culture from within — 80 per cent of the kitchen team at her restaurant, The Pem in Westminster, are female.
Danielle George
Professor George has just been appointed as the Government’s chief scientific adviser for national security. It’s a crucial role at a time when national security is a more pressing issue than ever.
Tabitha Goldstaub
As the co-founder of CognitionX and chair of the UK’s AI Council, Goldstaub is at the forefront of making artificial intelligence ethical and accessible. Whether advising on policy or explaining AI’s potential for gender bias, she’s the go-to voice in tech right now.
Sheridan Ash
Ash is making sure the next generation of women don’t feel locked out of science and technology. As PwC’s head of technology innovation and the founder of Tech She Can, she is leading initiatives to get more girls into STEM careers. She believes the tech industry won’t reach its full potential until it’s truly diverse.
Leah Williamson
England’s captain made history when she led the Lionesses to victory at Euro 2022, bringing football home for the first time since 1966. The Arsenal defender is not only a phenomenal player, she’s also a role model, an advocate for women’s sport and proof that England finally has a captain who can win trophies.
Martine Rose
The British-Jamaican designer is one of London’s greatest fashion talents, known worldwide for her menswear offering, and has been tipped to lead Burberry one day. Most recently, she was the brain behind Kendrick Lamar’s custom leather sports jacket for his 2025 Super Bowl performance. Across town, you’ll spot football shirts and Clarks collaboration shoes of her design.
