Pauline Richards has been named one of the world's most influential black corporate directors by Savoy magazine.

The US publication compiles an annual list of heavy hitters. Mrs Richards, the chief operating officer of investment management company Armour Group Holdings Ltd, was one of 300 “power” people selected for this year's edition.

It puts her level of influence in line with that of Colin Powell, the former US Secretary of State, Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line, and Thomas Brown, retired group vice-president of global purchasing for Ford Motor Company.