Women to watch, tipped for the top

Management Today has compiled a list Britain’s 50 “most powerful women”.

The list is headed by fund manager Carol Galley who is in charge of more than 250bn worth of our pension money.

But rubbing shoulders with Galley, are some familiar faces. Caroline Marland, managing director of the Guardian, is number17. In at number 22 is Barbara Cassini, the Go chief executive, closely followed by new BBC radio controller Jenny Abramsky, at number 30.

Abramsky’s colleague at the Beeb, director of policy and planning Patricia Hodgson lines up at number 42. Stagecoach boss Ann Gloag and Channel 5 programme director Dawn Airey just make the grade at 48 and 49.

A second list, “10 to Watch”, sees Zenith Media chief executive Christine Walker and Central Office of Information chief Carol Fisher both strongly tipped for the top.

The magazine compiled the list by interviewing headhunters, industry chiefs and the City, asking them questions such as “would a Prime Minister listen and act on the advice of this woman?” No surprise then that Cherie Booth is number three.