Man of the Year Nominees
Words Jason Kwame Owusu-Frimpong
Tommy Mallet
Founder and Creative Director of Mallet Footwear
Tommy Mallet is a true example of growth and adaptation. Many of us first came to know his relatable and honest personality via our TV screens from the late 2000’s. But since 2015, Tommy has flipped the script and branched out, building his namesake global footwear - and now clothing - line, stocked in fashion flagships such as Selfridges, Flannels, Harrods and Fred Segal (LA). This September, he fulfilled his dream of opening an elegant standalone Mallet store, in the heart of London’s shoewear haven Carnaby Street.
It’s been a pleasure and inspiration to see the 29 year old entrepreneur go from his humble beginnings, to now defying odds in fashion with sleek and innovative shoe designs that sell out in minutes. This is all whilst bravely advocating mental health awareness, and in recent times becoming a doting father.
Mallet - the brand and the man himself - are a testament that nothing is impossible to one who is willing to put the work in, and break out of the status quo and the confines of public opinion.
Ben Francis
Founder & CEO of Gym Shark
Ben Francis is the young mastermind behind this generation’s go-to gym wear brand Gym Shark. Since its inception ten years ago as a side-hustle whilst Ben was still in Uni - working nights at Pizza Hut then printing and labelling merchandise himself - the brand has gone from strength to strength. From sponsoring hosting major gym influencer events, to a billion dollar conglomerate, due to open a flagship store in Central London. Ben himself has received acknowledgement worldwide for his unicorn-like achievements, and was hailed as one of the youngest on the current UK Times Rich Times List. Yet still, he continues to provide gems and BTS nuggets of wisdom for like-minded young creatives via his Youtube channel and fireside chats including GQ Heroes and Downing street’s Business Council for Small Businesses. Throughout the recent turbulent times, Ben has exhibited perseverance and strong leadership, with impressive business decisions. During the pandemic, Gymshark donated 180,000 pounds to NHS charities, and unapologetically stood in solidarity with Black Lives Matter.
Lawrence Okolie
Boxer
Lawrence Okolie is a sportsman representing the new generation with class. The towering, cool, calm and collected boxer has jab-and-weaved through opponents to gain the WBO cruiserweight title. He previously held the Commonwealth cruiserweight title from 2018 to 2019 , and British and European titles respectively in 2019. All whilst keeping a clean record of 0 losses. Even at this age of 28, Okolie already shows signs of an astute boxing IQ and promising career. This November, Okolie was awarded an honorary doctorate of Sport from University of East London.
Spencer Matthews
Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur, personality and family man Spencer Matthews needs no introduction. He has taken his Chelsea charm into the world of beverage, as founder of low to non alcohol drinks company Clean Co. The health - and pleasure - conscious brands ‘Clean’ Gin and cocktail variations are now stocked in large supermarket retailers around the UK and Ireland. The brand was this years official sponsor at the CFDA awards. Bravo Spencer for saving us from the hangovers!
Akash Mehta
Founder of Co-Anu agency
Akash Mehta is an example of a multi-faceted working man, excelling in a variety of fields. As a branding and influencing genius, he connects the dots and bridging gaps as Founder of Co-Anu agency. As CEO of Fable & Mane, he - along with his sister Nikita - is revolutionising the world of haircare and hair growth with his brand powered by clean, vegan and cruelty-free ancient Indian hair care secrets. What better demonstration of cultural representation than the brand’s selection of oils, conditioners, hair masks and combs now grace the shelves of Sephora, Boots and Cult Beauty. His podcast, Founded Beauty, champions pioneering voices and founders in the beauty industry. Not forgetting his selfless philanthropic work as Global Guardian at Unicef. The man’s impact knows no bounds!