About Parminder VirOBE
My Journey
Throughout my four-decade career, I have been guided by passion, vision, and enduring optimism. These principles have shaped me into a leader, mentor, advocate, and innovator dedicated to positively impacting and transforming lives through my work across cultural, creative, and business sectors. As a leader, I have led by example, inspiring others to join me in my mission. Besides executive producing documentary films, speaking at international forums, and mentoring African entrepreneurs, I am also writing my professional memoir, weaving the diverse threads of a four-decade-long, multifaceted career that has brought about significant change and inspiration to many.
Executive Roles & Mentorship
In my various executive roles (CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Manager of the Ingenious World Cinema Fund, Executive Producer and Cultural Diversity Advisor at Carlton Television, Managing Director of Formation Films Limited and Head of the Race Equality Unit at the Greater London Council), I have designed and implemented large-scale programmes that have driven meaningful change in the UK’s creative and cultural sectors, as well as in entrepreneurship and business development across Africa. However, I hold dear my role as a mentor. It has allowed me to support young directors, producers, and entrepreneurs, nurturing them towards success and demonstrating the power of guidance and support in professional growth.
Communication & Storytelling
Storytelling has been a cornerstone of my work, a powerful tool for expanding media reach through feature films and documentaries, research reports, and campaigns. By telling compelling stories, I’ve been able to inform, engage and support the development of the African entrepreneurship ecosystem. These efforts have brought untold stories to film and television screens while highlighting critical social and cultural issues.
Networking & Partnerships
Building extensive networks of creatives, mentors, and partners has been vital to fostering cross-border business growth and knowledge sharing. These partnerships are not just about business, but about building a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity and innovation. Securing strategic partnerships with major organisations like UNDP, GIZ, AfDB, and the European Commission has been instrumental in scaling impactful programmes such as the African Entrepreneurship Programme.
Innovation & Technology
My approach has always been centred around leveraging technology. I’ve maximised platforms like TEFConnect, Africa’s largest digital platform for entrepreneurs, and launched campaigns like Support4AfricaSMEs to highlight the resilience and innovation of African entreprenures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Board Membership
Honours & Awards
Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Broadcasting and Film industry. An Honorary Degree from the University for the Creative Arts. The Videsh Samman for contributions to the enhancement of human welfare and Indo-British understanding by the High Commission of India. The Asian Jewel Awards for Media and Arts.
Background
Born in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India, in 1955, I faced a significant transition when my father, a primary school teacher, became a ‘voucher migrant’ to England in 1963. He left behind his wife and three daughters. In July 1965, having never ventured more than 30 km from my village, I found myself on a train to Delhi with my mother and sisters, then on a plane to England to join our father, who had settled in Southampton. Despite the advice of my school teacher, who suggested that I should aspire to work in the local factory, I chose to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather and father and trained as a teacher. The progressive politics my father pursued have been a source of inspiration.
In 1985, I married Professor Julian Henriques, a distinguished researcher, teacher, writer, and award-winning film director of Jamaican and English heritage. We met on the barricades fighting racism in the UK. He, the son of a professor, and I, the daughter of the postal worker my father became in England, married across cultural, racial, and class divides.
My proudest achievements are our two remarkable daughters. Mala resides in Colombia and collaborates with social entrepreneurs. Anuradha lives in London and is a Development Executive for BBC Films. She is also the Associate Director of the award-winning film “Rocks,” released in 2020 on Netflix, and co-founder of Skin-Deep Race + Culture. My family has been a source of strength and inspiration throughout my journey, and their achievements bring me immense pride and joy.
For more information about my professional journey, please click Here.
