2025 Shortlisted nominee
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Elham Fardad is Founder and CEO of Migrant Leaders, a national charity transforming the lives of ethnic minority and low-income young people through high-impact mentoring and career opportunities. Drawing on a 23-year career as a finance director at global firms including GE, News Corp, and EY, Elham has grown the programme to support 4,000 mentees with 2,000 mentors from 95 FTSE 100 and leading companies. She partners with ERGs, talent leaders, and social mobility teams to open real pathways to leadership for underrepresented talent. A recognised advocate, she was named a Coronation Champion (2023), awarded the Freedom of the City of London (2024), and listed among the Empower Top 100 Executives (2025). Her book Migrant Magic (2024) shares her journey and insights. Elham’s visionary leadership continues to inspire change, equity, and opportunity for the next generation.
