Attitude publisher hailed as outstanding LGBT+ role model by the FT
Darren Styles OBE named among 100 leading LGBT+ executives
By Steve Brown
The annual list of OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives, presented by the FT, is revealed today – and Attitude’s publisher and Managing Director, Darren Styles OBE, is included for the third successive year, jumping 24 places to number 65 on a list headed by Jim Fitterling, the CEO of The Dow Chemical Company.
A gloriously diverse collection of the greatest LGBT+ minds in global business proves unequivocally that your sexuality or gender can be no barrier to leading in your field – as the like of Stacey Friedman (General Counsel at JP Morgan Chase), Edward Enninful OBE (Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue), Angelica Ross (content creator and President of Miss Ross Inc) and dozens of others demonstrate.
And while it might not seem unusual to find the owner of the world’s biggest gay media brand included in such a list, it’s actually for his work beyond the day job that sees Darren nominated.
Since acquiring the Attitude brand in 2016 (and becoming the magazine’s first gay owner in its nigh 25 years of publishing), he has implemented a long-term strategy to better utilise Attitude’s significant platforms and visibility for the wider benefit of the LGBT+ community.
He has reintroduced the Attitude Pride Awards – for those working in the third sector, or who have triumphed over tragedy – alongside the huge (and hugely respected) Attitude Awards, a move which has generated significant mainstream media coverage for those whose stories would otherwise never see light of day.
He has also launched, this past summer, inspired by the work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation for whom his team raised more than £300,000 over five years, the Attitude Magazine Foundation for LGBT+ causes, which has already raised close to £200,000.
Externally, he is an Ambassador for Downing Street’s GREAT Campaign, to promote the UK as a place to visit, invest or seek an education.
And through this, he has been responsible for developing the ‘Love is GREAT’ strand that promotes the UK as a safe space for LGBT+ individuals. Darren was on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June, awarded an OBE for services to the economy, diversity and charity.
Darren Styles OBE said: “I was delighted enough to be nominated for inclusion on this list of extraordinary individuals, but to find myself ranked so highly by a list of judges that includes business heroes the like of Lord Browne and Dawn Airey is an absolute thrill.
“To see the band of brothers and sisters that is Stream Publishing amidst some of the biggest corporations in the world, acknowledged as a leader in how we treat and speak to our team, and how we carry that message into the wider world, is a fantastic boost for all of us.”
Suki Sandhu, Founder & CEO, Involve, said: “Our sixth OUTstanding list is our most international and diverse ever.
“It features executives representing 21 countries around the world – from Ghana to Germany and from India to Israel. We’re so proud to see so many senior and future leaders recognised as role models for their work driving cultural change and creating environments where everyone can succeed. Everyone – regardless of gender, sexuality or ethnicity – benefits from a level playing field where people feel able to bring their whole selves to work.”
The full list can be found here.