WELCOME to this the 11th GG2
Power List.
We publish this list in perhaps
the darkest of times on our conti-
nent since the Second World
War. The war in Ukraine is a sad
reminder that national and eth-
nic conflict remain a dark stain
on humanity and that we must
continue to work for under-
standing, acceptance and cour-
age in dispelling distrust and fear
as any sort of guide for human
behaviour.
That said, this publication
comes out on UN International
Women’s Day (March 8) and it is
great to celebrate the rise
of women in all walks
of life in Britain. You
will find a fair few
in this list.
The struggle
for equality con-
tinues and we
must elevate those
who break barriers
and create pathways
for others to follow.
In many ways what strikes us
is how many women of colour
have made such successful ca-
reers in politics.
We have a female home secre-
tary in Priti Patel and a female
attorney general in Suella
Braverman. Whatever their
politics, you still have to admire
the way they have come through
the system and made it in a very
male orientated and tough
environment.
There are lessons for business
surely. The appointment of Lee-
na Nair as CEO of Chanel is a
tremendous advance but at the
same time it shows how far we
have fallen as a society. We must
encourage and enable women to
achieve their full potential.
In similar ways, the diversity
cause has to be furthered – and it
was always our intention – and
remains so - to draw attention to
high-fliers and path breakers
with the GG2 Power List.
Our father, Ramniklal Solanki,
(inset) founded the company and
his example has always guided
and inspired us. He was awarded
a CBE in for his services to the
community and publishing. We
remain extremely proud of his
achievements. It is the first time
we are meeting again since his
sad passing in March 2020.
He was always a
community champion
and set up his first
publication, Garavi
Gujarat with our
mother, Parvatiben
and the two worked
tirelessly to give us
the foundation that
has enabled us to be
where we are today.
Identifying the 101 most influ-
ential Asians in this brilliant
country of ours is no easy task –
we try to look everywhere for
shining stars and those who have
achieved – and along with our
GG2 Leadership and Diversity
Awards, they represent a unique
and very special snapshot of a
community that continues to ex-
cel and prosper. We should all
take pride in these 101 individu-
als and their achievements.
Just as our dear father did wh-
en he first landed on these shores
with not much else...Enjoy!
Kalpesh R Solanki
and Shailesh R Solanki
Our panel of experts
The GG2 Power List was extensively researched and
compiled by a team of journalists, with the final
rankings adjudicated by an experienced panel...
A special snapshot
of Asian community
KALPESH R SOLANKI is group managing
editor of the Asian Media Group (AMG). He
graduated with a law degree (LLB Hons)
from Queen Mary College, London, and qual
ified as a barrister from the Inner Temple.
Kalpesh is responsible for the strategy and
growth of AMG operations over three coun
tries – America, Britain and India. He sits on
the board of the charity Pratham UK.
SHAILESH R SOLANKI is AMG’s executive
editor. He has 30 years experience in journal
ism, overseeing titles, including Eastern Eye,
Garavi Gujarat, Asian Trader, Pharmacy Bu
siness, Asian Hospitality and the Asian Rich
List. He has a keen interest in diversity and is
vice chair of the thinktank British Future, an
advisor to the Rare Dementia Support chari
ty and on the board of Pratham UK.
AMIT ROY is one of the most experienced
journalists to have covered the Asian
community. He is the editoratlarge at
Eastern Eye and has also worked as a
foreign correspondent for The Daily
Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Sunday
Times and The Sunday Telegraph. Amit
has covered wars all over the world and has
written economic reports on India.
RITHIKA SIDDHARTHA edits GG2 and
Eastern Eye, the consumer titles published
by AMG. She began her journalism career in
India, working at The Asian Age newspaper
in Bangalore and New Delhi, before moving
to London. She secured exclusive inter
views with prime ministers David Cameron
and Theresa May ahead of the 2015 and
2017 general elections, respectively.
BARNIE CHOUDHURY is an awardwin
ning journalist who worked for the BBC
for 24 years. He is currently a communica
tions’ consultant and editoratlarge for
Eastern Eye. Barnie worked for the current
Commonwealth secretarygeneral as her
director of media and PR, and he was part
of the senior leadership team in several in
stitutions. He is a professor of professional
practice at the University of Buckingham.
SARWAR ALAM is AMG’s digital editor.
Under his leadership, Eastern Eye has
grown its online reach with the use of
newsletters and videos. He project managed
both editions of the Asian Rich List 2021 as
well as this issue of the GG2 Power List. He
began his career on ITV and has done
stints at Eurosport and ESPN, where he
covered major sporting events.
Power List GG2
2022 | GG2 Power List