Attitude Magazine publisher named as one of 2016’s OUTstanding LGBT executives by the Financial Times
By Josh Lee
Attitude Magazine publisher Darren Styles has been recognised as one of 2016’s OUTstanding Leading 100 LGBT+ Executives on an annual power list presented by the Financial Times.
The magazine entrepreneur who acquired Attitude magazine in September sits at number 74 on a list that is topped by Gigi Chao, Vice Chairman of real estate giant Cheuk Nang, who becomes the first Asian business leader to head the rankings. She was thrust into the spotlight in 2012 when her property tycoon father publically offered a HK$500 million reward to any man who could convince his lesbian daughter to marry him.
Suki Sandhu, CEO of OUTstanding, said: OUTstanding exists to challenge the assumption that you cannot be out and successful in business, to create role models that will inspire the next generation of business leaders and to encourage companies to use their far reaching voices for good.”
Darren was honoured alongside other notable LGBT entrepreneurs such as David Furnish (Rocket Entertainment Group), Mary Portas (the Portas Agency) and Christopher Bailey (Burberry), while valued supporters of Stream titles present include Mark Anderson (Virgin Holidays), Denny Tu (Sky), Steve Wardlaw (Emerald Life), Tim Millward (Extrastaff) and Roja Dove (Roja Parfums).
Darren described himself as “proud and thrilled to be included” in the list, adding: “I couldn’t imagine creating a working environment in which any individual couldn’t be who they are, in order that they flourish and find fulfilment. I want the best for them and, selfishly, the best for me – and that means finding space to celebrate the individual who wants to be out and proud.
“And my experience, I have to say, is that my customer publishing clients – airlines, car manufacturers, cruise lines and retailers – and those who read and support Attitude and Winq magazines wouldn’t have it any other way.”
As well as publishing both Attitude Magazine and fellow gay lifestyle magazine Winq, Darren has raised over £200,000 for the Elton John AIDS Foundation as one of its patrons. He also supports both the Peter Tatchell Foundation and the Albert Kennedy Trust, and has volunteered his resources to produce the Official Guide to Pride London. His contributions to LGBT life have seen him appointed by Downing Street as one of 20 or so Ambassadors to the GREAT Campaign.
The OUTstanding list was put together by a number of powerful people from the world of business, including: Lord Browne, Executive Chairman, L1 Energy, and former CEO, BP; Dawn Airey, CEO, Getty Images; Ashok Vaswani, CEO, Barclays UK; Harriet Green, General Manager of Watson Internet of Things, Commerce and Education IBM; Vicki Culpin, Global Dean of Research, Hult International Business School; Suki Sandhu, Founder & CEO, OUTstanding; and Carola Hoyos, Editor of the Executive Appointments section, Non Executive Directors Club, Financial Times.
See the full list of OUTstanding LGBT leaders here.
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