Vanessa has continued doing the work which allows outgoing Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful to do his work. Bring in the money that funds British Vogue’s expansion.

A 95 per cent year-on-year revenue increase, simultaneously maintaining British Vogue’s large print revenue, as well as leading the team to an increase of 750 per cent in profits year-on-year for British Vogue events is impressive. Especially in a financially stricken industry.

Her role at British Vogue has involved a significant shift in the brand’s purpose and business strategy. This has led to dramatic revenue growth, multiple business awards, digital transformation, and revenue diversification. Under Vanessa’s leadership, the magazine scooped two prestigious Cannes Lions awards in 2019 for its partnership with L’Oréal Paris on The Non-Issue edition, which aimed to dispel cultural myths surrounding women and age.

Vanessa was previously British Vogue’s Publishing Director – not only the first female publisher in the iconic glossy’s 105-year history, but also Condé Nast’s first and only black publisher.

She now sits on the Board of the Royal Opera House and Royal Ballet, supporting the arts community during a challenging period of reduced funding and using her business prowess to help them transform their earning potential to future-proof these important institutions.

In her work as a diversity proponent, Vanessa sits on a leadership committee of a microfund, Peanut StartHER, which is focused on helping pre-seed female entrepreneurs in tech and business, with a particular focus on giving purpose-driven start-ups, founded by women, their first boost.

As a committed youth advocate, she enjoys a long-standing role as Visiting Fellow at the University of the Arts London, where she mentors students.

Vanessa is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Race Equality Taskforce. She was awarded an OBE in the King’s first New Year’s Honours List in 2023.