The Xec. Leadership Scheme – the Class of 2024 revealed

The Xec. Leadership Scheme – the Class of 2024 revealed

Thursday 12 October 2023; London, UK: Seven communication professionals have been selected to go through The Xec. Leadership Scheme developed by BME PR Pros, supported by Google UK and delivered in partnership with PRovoke Media and the CIPR.

The leadership scheme for UK-based Black, Asian, Mixed Race and Ethnic Minority (BME) PR and comms pros is the first of its kind, and entered its third year in September.

The seven candidates, who secured a place following a rigorous application and interview process, are:

  • Priscillia Chun, Campaign Director, Diffusion PR
  • Sim Devgun, Senior Account Manager, Tin Man
  • Myriam Khan, Head of External Communications, UK, Thales Transport
  • Arun Lloyd, Associate Director, Hope&Glory
  • Mammy Maguire, Head of Student Communications & Social Media, Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Lolade Nwanze, Senior Account Manager, Wimbart
  • Anita Rathod, Communications & Engagement Lead, Rolls-Royce

Bold and ambitious, The Xec. aims to create the next generation of BME leaders and to increase boardroom diversity client and agency-side.

Elizabeth Bananuka, Founder & CEO, BME PR Pros / Blueprinted, said: “Two years in and we now know The Xec., the first leadership scheme for UK-based Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and Ethnic Minority PR and comms pros, has an overwhelmingly positive impact on the professional lives of those who complete it. It is a tough course aimed at creating future leaders we believe will change comms, smash ceilings for them and others, and change our industry for the better. Our third cohort is an incredible group I believe are destined for great things and I cannot wait to see how they grow and what they will achieve in coming years. Once again, I am grateful to our generous partners Google UK, PRovoke Media, and the CIPR for making it possible for The Xec. to exist and to exist as a free course for candidates. And, along with our tutors, presenters, and mentors, I cannot thank them enough for rooting for talented BME PR and comms pros to get the careers they deserve.”

Jen Jamie, Director, UK and Ireland Communications and Public Affairs, Google, said: “The Xec. is making an important impact on comms, helping equip the future leaders we need to transform our industry. It’s a privilege to be involved for the third year running. We’re excited to work with, and learn from, another highly impressive group of comms leaders this year.”

Arun Sudhaman, CEO and editor-in-chief, PRovoke Media, said: “It’s easy to talk about DEI, but The Xec. is one of the few programmes that not only tangibly disrupts the PR industry’s comfortable status quo, but also transforms the professional lives of everyone it impacts. None more so, of course, than the future leaders that The Xec. helps to develop. It’s incredibly gratifying to witness the emergence of a third cohort that will, no doubt, change the game once again.”

Alastair McCapra, CIPR CEO, said: “A warm welcome and many congratulations to the new candidates on this year’s Xec. Leadership programme. We know what a unique, positive, and rewarding experience the programme provides and the CIPR is very proud to play our part in supporting your journey. We look forward to meeting and working with you all.”

Aside from the masterclasses, talks and training days, The Xec. course participants will have the unique opportunity to curate and present a special PRovoke Media event to be broadcast in June 2024.

The Class of 2024 will:

  • Be allocated a BME PR Pros mentor for six months
  • Create and host a podcast series
  • Be invited to judge a CIPR award
  • Receive complimentary CIPR membership for 12 months

Profile interviews with the cohort are available on bmeprpros.co.uk.