33. Ronnie Bowker, Ernst & Young

Ronnie Bowker, senior partner of accountant Ernst & Young in Birmingham, moved to the UK in 1994 from his native South Africa and quickly made the city his home.

His rise was rapid and after just two years in the firm's Birmingham office he was promoted to the top job.
He said recently that the city was a "hotbed for business" and had an excellent record for producing some of the UK's top entrepreneurial talent.

The passion and excitement driving the transformation of Birmingham in the 1990s was infectious and was one of the principal motivating factors spurring his involvement in a number of the city's most influential organisations - including the CBI West Midlands Regional Council, Birmingham Forward, the Birmingham Learning & Skills Council and Birmingham Professional DiverCity.

Seeking to make a difference, he has invested knowledge and enthusiasm into his responsibilities at these organisations, all of which have made a positive impact on the landscape of the city.

During his 14 years in Birmingham, the region's economy has experienced rapid change, transforming from one reliant on heavy manufacturing to one which has built an enviable reputation for its service offering.

As an adopted Brummie, Ronnie says he is extremely proud of the local economy's transformation and he believes this is testament to the adaptability, innovativeness and creativity of Birmingham's business community to the changes in market demands.

Creativity in the arts has also been important to the city's success, and Ronnie has been a keen supporter. He is a director of the Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, chairman of the Arts & Business West Midlands advisory board, and he has succeeded Sir Michael Lyons as chairman of the CBSO.

He says he recognises that organisations and individuals have a duty to invest in the community in which they operate; and he understands that the region as a whole will not be successful in an environment where there is significant deprivation or social instability.

Combining his passion for sport, he is a season ticket holder at Aston Villa.