Wednesday 16 October 2024; London, UK: Eight 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 fourth year in September.

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

• Ishani Bechoo, Global Head of Advocacy, Arup
• Garry Campbell, Head of Policy & Communications, Groundwork UK
• Maria Chawla, Account Director, Brands2Life
• Surinder Kaur Sian, External Comms Lead, Harbour Energy
• Salma Nakhuda, Account Director, Social
• David Osei, Senior Corporate Communications Manager, Adobe
• Amandeep Turna, Account Director, Delphi
• Amira Williams. Senior Account Manager, Missive

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: “It is a real joy to unveil the fourth cohort of The Xec., the very first leadership scheme for UK-based Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and Ethnic Minority PR and comms pros. We know from previous participants that the course has an overwhelmingly positive impact on the professional lives of those who complete it and I cannot wait to see how the class of ’25 grow and evolve as leaders, 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 who qualify. 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.”