Tim Chatwin, Vice President, EMEA Communications and Public Affairs, Google, said: “I’m excited to be supporting The Xec and we are looking forward to working with this talented group of communicators.”

Arun Sudhaman, CEO and editor-in-chief, PRovoke Media, said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to see how The Xec. Leadership scheme has struck a chord with Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority PR and comms pros. Unfortunately, these are groups that have historically been left behind by the wider UK PR industry, but no longer thanks to brilliant initiatives like this. I’m very excited to follow the progress of the first cohort, not only because they will create the next generation of BME PR leaders, but because there will be much that we can all learn from The Xec. Leadership scheme.”

Alastair McCapra, Chief Executive, CIPR, said: “This strong first cohort of Xec Leadership candidates tells us that this scheme is the right fit for many aspiring leaders in our sector. I wish them all the very best as they embark on their programme and I’m sure they will be making their presence felt in years to come. I’m very pleased the CIPR is supporting this programme and we wish it every success.”

Tim Chatwin, Vice President, EMEA Communications and Public Affairs, Google, said: “I’m excited to be supporting The Xec and we are looking forward to working with this talented group of communicators.”

Elizabeth Bananuka, Founder & CEO, BME PR Pros / Blueprinted, said: “You never quite know what to expect when you launch a new initiative and open for applications. When we launched The Xec. leadership scheme for Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority PR and comms pros, all we wanted was to find eight candidates worthy of a place on what is surely a money-can’t-buy opportunity. What we got was a lot more than that. We found ten genuinely talented, inspiring and brilliant PR and communications professionals that we believe are tomorrow’s leaders. I am honoured they chose to apply for a place on The Xec. and I cannot wait to see what this exceptional cohort will achieve in future years. I cannot thank Google UK, PRovoke Media and the CIPR enough for supporting talented BME PR and comms pros to get the careers they deserve. The Xec. would not have been possible without their generous support and partnership and the wise counsel of The Blueprint Advisory Board.”

Tobi Ruth Adebekun, Chair of The Xec. interview panel & Blueprint Advisor; Communications Manager, Snap, said: “It was an honour to chair the interview panel for The Xec and see such a strong cohort come out of the application process. Alongside the fantastic training days, there’s so much value in what this group can learn from each other. What I found especially exciting was the diversity of the applicants in so many ways: backgrounds, experiences, industries, cultures and more – and all at the top of their game. Anyone who says they find it hard to find talent from underrepresented ethnic groups, simply isn’t looking hard enough.”

Nik Govier, The Xec. tutor & Blueprint Advisor; CEO + Founder, Blurred, said: “I have no doubt that the Xec will make a tangible difference to the careers of this first cohort. In the interview process I saw potential combined with talent and a genuine desire to be all they can be – that’s a powerful blend! Often in our industry, people of colour aren’t given the opportunity – or even a level playing field – which is why The Xec matters so much. I can’t wait to watch these industry leaders-in-waiting flourish.”

Arun Sudhaman, CEO and editor-in-chief, PRovoke Media, said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to see how The Xec. Leadership scheme has struck a chord with Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority PR and comms pros. Unfortunately, these are groups that have historically been left behind by the wider UK PR industry, but no longer thanks to brilliant initiatives like this. I’m very excited to follow the progress of the first cohort, not only because they will create the next generation of BME PR leaders, but because there will be much that we can all learn from The Xec. Leadership scheme.”

Alastair McCapra, Chief Executive, CIPR, said: “This strong first cohort of Xec Leadership candidates tells us that this scheme is the right fit for many aspiring leaders in our sector. I wish them all the very best as they embark on their programme and I’m sure they will be making their presence felt in years to come. I’m very pleased the CIPR is supporting this programme and we wish it every success.”