Women in PR reveals ‘40 over 40’ Power List

The launch of the Women in PR (WiPR) ‘40 over 40’ Power List recognises women who have gone above and beyond to champion inclusion and combat ageism in PR and Communications. Announced at a glittering launch party in central London last night, the list recognises the incredible talent over 40 years old in our industry.

The List is part of a wider campaign led by WIPR following the news that ageism hits women earlier and harder than previously thought. It aims to inspire the next generation of diverse talent and encourage them to stay in the industry for longer.

The first WIPR Power List to celebrate older female talent, launched three years ago, featured 45 women over 45. Today’s list recognises 40 women over 40, reflecting WIPR research which found that more women are experiencing ageism and it is starting at an earlier age.

The winners, in alphabetical order, are:

1. Suraya Adnan-Ariffin, Associate Director at Edelman

2. Claire Ayles, Co-Founder at Eleven Hundred Agency

3. Hilary Berg, Founder and Managing Director at One Planet

4. Victoria Biggs, Senior Vice President at 160over90

5. Claire Bridges, Founder and Chief Consultant at Now Go Create

6. Mairead Broadley, Public Relations Global Lead at Carlsberg Group

7. Sam Carlisle, Director at Cause Communications

8. Bianca-Maria Cavuoto, Client Partner at Red Havas UK

9. Orla Clancy, Founder and Director at Strategic

10. Tanya Clarke, Head of Transition Media and PR Strategy at HM Revenue & Customs

11. Lynda Daboh, Founder at WONDER*

12. Suzanne Edmond, Founding Director at Moxy Communications

13. Daniela Flores, Co-Founder and Chairman at Purpose Union

14. Tokunboh George-Taylor, Founder/CEO at SKOT Communications

15. Louise Gibson, Team Manager – Social Media, Design, Advertising & Sponsorship Team at Sheffield City Council

16. Shalini Gupta, Head of Internal Communications – UK, India, Middle East and Africa at Arup

17. Anna Guyer, Founder and CEO at Greenhouse Communications

18. Victoria Harrison-Cook MBE, Head of Media – Campaigns and Strategy at Transport for London

19. Rachel Irvine, CEO at Irvine Partners

20. Amanda Kasper, Founder & Managing Director at Alpha Kilo

21. Effie Kanyua, Founder at We are Warriors PR

22. Ruth Kieran, Chief Executive Officer at Cirkle

23. Elisabeth Lewis-Jones, CEO at Liquid PR

24. Sarah Lloyd, Senior PR Strategist and Podcaster at ‘Shame-less Stories’

25. Emily Luscombe, EMEA Strategic Communications Agency Lead at ERM

26. Holly Marshall, Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at Nottingham Building Society

27. Kat McGettigan, Founder at Fine Lines and Co-Founder at The Lonely Female Founders Club

28. Judith Moore, Managing Director, Corporate and Senior Partner, FleishmanHillard UK

29. Tarita Mullings, Co-Managing Director at Story

30. Sharon O’Dea, Co-Founder at Lithos Partners

31. Jo Patterson, Managing Director at Zeno London

32. Sarah Pinch, Managing Director at Pinch Point Communications

33. Rachael Sansom, CEO at Havas Red UK & Europe

34. Ramma Shahid-Cheema, PR and Communications Lead at the Internet Exchange

35. Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe, Head of Engagement at the Cabinet Office

36. Karen Tippett-Lehane, Founder at TippettPR

37. Georgia Turner, Strategic Communications and Engagement Consultant at Georgia Communications

38. Mary Whenman, Senior Director Group Communications at British Business Bank

39. Elly Williamson, Managing Director, Head of TMT at Sodali & Co

40. Debbie Zaman, CEO at With

Powerlister and event sponsor, Suzanne Edmond, Founding Director at Moxy Communications, comments:
“I’m genuinely chuffed to be recognised in the WIPR 40 over 40 Power List, alongside such an inspiring group of women redefining leadership in PR.”

“My forties began with burnout and a big career reset, but today I’m building a business I love with the most amazing team of women. Age should be a strength, not a barrier, and this list is a powerful reminder of the experience, determination and innovation women bring at every stage of their careers. In a world that still doesn’t always vocally support or promote women, I’m passionate about helping female leaders find the clarity, confidence and control they deserve.”

Powerlister Deepa Thomas-Sutcliffe, Head of Engagement, Cabinet Office and EDI Champion, CIPR North West, said:

“I am honoured to be recognised amongst the many experienced professionals championing inclusion and challenging ageism. This recognition will provide even more impetus to our combined efforts and help people understand that experience is a super power.”

As part of its wider equity and inclusion work, WiPR is calling on employers, policymakers, and industry leaders to take proactive steps to address age-related discrimination and implement meaningful age-inclusive policies.

Alongside the Power List, WiPR is today releasing a guide, produced with campaign sponsor and recruitment agency Ellwood Atfield, which provides practical advice to help individuals address ageism bias and support employers to foster inclusive workplaces.

Written by: Editor