The Progress 1000: London's most influential people 2019 – Technology: Tech Titans

CEO and founder, Kano | NEW
Klein came up with the idea for this global success story after his six-year-old cousin asked for a computer he could build himself. The start-up this year secured a further £14 million funding for expansion, and sells gadgets including a Harry Potter “wand” to help teach children to code.

Managing director, Twitter UK | NEW
The former Google executive joined the social network in 2012 to run its sales operation. As well as policing harassment on the platform, Nasr’s duties include liaising with brands to use Twitter for their marketing campaigns.

Founder of Tech London Advocates | NEW
This is a not-for-profit independent private sector network of 7,000 tech leaders, experts and investors in London, founded in 2013. Has become one of the most vocal champions for London tech in the industry. Previously held leadership roles in Mobileway, Skype and O2. American born, he moved to London 27 years ago, having met his British wife at Harvard Business School.

Founder, Decoded | NEW
Decoded launched in 2012 and by 2016 was teaching coding in 85 cities worldwide, aimed at up-skilling and re-skilling professionals in coding, data, AI and machine learning. Parsons sits on the Prime Minister’s and Mayor of London’s business advisory boards.

Founder and CEO, BYP Network (Black Young Professionals Network) | NEW
Dubbed the “LinkedIn for black professionals”, the app connects managers and CEOs to young entrepreneurs looking for mentorship, careers advice or collaborations. She’s received £25,000 in funding, has won multiple awards for her app and has 8,000 downloads already.

Chief European representative at Tencent | NEW
She leads the Chinese tech investment behemoth’s efforts in Europe, focusing on strategic investment and partnerships with technology start-ups, universities, governments and industry around Europe. Dr Ge received her doctorate in quantum computing at Oxford University and then held various leadership roles at Imperial College London. She also serves as a board director and advisory board member for several venture capital and technology firms, providing expertise on areas such as AI, quantum computing and education.

International vice-president, Snap Inc | NEW
Valoti grew up at her parents’ bed and breakfast in King’s Cross, and was inspired by their approach to business, seeing how much the hoteliers cared about their customers. She joined Snap in 2016 as general manager, establishing its London office and rose to become its most senior executive outside the US. Ms Valoti has overseen teams developing projects such as Landmarkers, where augmented reality brings London landmarks to life. Her prior roles include head of agency relations at Facebook.

President of global government affairs, Huawei Technologies | NEW
Zhang, who runs the Chinese tech giant’s London office, is in charge of global government strategy and building relationships with clients, as well as being tasked with the tricky job of promoting the firm’s 5G technology in Britain amid a privacy backlash. He has been with the firm for more than 20 years, previously holding roles of chief executive of Huawei UK and nearly three years in Brussels as president of its European public affairs and communication wing.

President of EMEA Business & Operations for Google
A Cambridge graduate from Surrey, Brittin has been in charge of Google’s business and operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa since 2014. He also sits on the board of The Climate Group and used to row for Britain.

The Progress 1000, in partnership with the global bank Citi, is the Evening Standard’s celebration of the people changing London’s future for the better. #Progress1000