List aims to encourage top leaders to be open about their sexuality
A power list of influential LGBT leaders has been topped by a woman for the first time.
Inga Beale, Lloyd's of London chief executive, came first in the Top 100 list compiled by networking group OUTstanding and the Financial Times.
It is the first time a woman, and a bisexual, has been judged the country’s most influential LGBT chief executive.
Alan Joyce, chief executive of Qantas, came second, with HSBC's UK and European chief, Antonio Simoes, third.
Suki Sandhu, chief executive of OUTstanding, said people had to challenge the assumption that you cannot be both openly LGBT in business and be successful.
"Those featured are an inspiration to anyone who fears that they may have to be closeted at work, and waste valuable effort muting their authentic selves," he said.
Beale, who became the Lloyd's chief in January 2014, said she was delighted and honoured to appear on the Top 100 list.
Top 10 UK LGBT executives
- Inga Beale - CEO, Lloyd's of London
- Alan Joyce - Chief Executive Officer, Qantas Airways Ltd
- Antonio Simoes - CEO, HSBC Bank plc
- Martine Rothblatt - CEO, United Therapeutics
- Claudia Brind-Woody - Vice President and Managing Director, IBM
- Paul Reed - CEO, Integrated Supply and Trading, BP plc
- Beth Brooke-Marciniak - Global Vice Chair, Public Policy, EY
- Christopher Bailey - Chief Creative & Chief Executive Officer, Burberry
- Anthony Watson - President & Chief Executive Officer, Uphold
- Sander van ‘t Noordende - Group Chief Executive Products, Accenture
"I am proud of the commitment of Lloyd's and the London insurance market to celebrate diversity and ensure we are an attractive, globally relevant and inclusive sector," she said.
Peers and colleagues nominated those appearing in the Top 100. Nominations were reviewed by OUTstanding's judging panel, which included former BP chief executive Lord Browne and Dawn Airey, the former Channel 5 boss who is now chief executive of Getty Images.
An Allies list was published to accompany the Top 100 which awards business leaders and those with influence who champion LGBT rights.
Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg came first for his work championing LGBT diversity both within his company and globally.
Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson, last year's winner, came second.
