PRESS RELEASE: EMBARGOED UNTIL 6th DECEMBER

Who’s Who in 2011?

The 163rd annual edition of Who’s Who brings together over 33,000 personal vignettes from those whose achievements are notable in today’s society. With over 1000 new entries, Who’s Who 2011, published on 6th December 2010, celebrates the diversity of human achievement. The uniquely autobiographical entries convey an enlightening and often amusing snapshot of the lives of those of enduring interest from all walks of life. All those listed have demonstrated lasting significance. An entry in Who’s Who is for life.

Who’s new for 2011?

Election year

All 232 new MPs elected this year are listed in the 2011 edition. David Cameron has made some updates to his existing entry, with a new job title and a new daughter to include. New MP Valerie Vaz joins brother Keith Vaz; new MP Joseph Johnson joins brother Boris and father Stanley; new MP Ben Gummer joins father John (now Lord Deben). New MP Louise Bagshawe lists her many ‘chick lit’ novels in her entry. Other new MPs reveal past careers ranging from bricklayer to dentist.

Entertainment

Music executive and television producer, Simon Cowell has the WW factor as well as the X factor this year. He reveals that as well as international singing sensations Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle he is also responsible for signing Robson and Jerome!

Film and TV star Hugh Bonneville, (actor, producer and writer) whose full name is Hugh Richard Bonneville Williams discloses that in his spare time he ‘enjoys getting cross about health and safety’.

Creative types

Included this year from the world of film is Danny Boyle, director and producer of such smash hit movies as Trainspotting and Slumdog Millionaire (Academy, BAFTA and Golden Globe Awards for Best Director, 2009). Danny is also Artistic Director of the opening ceremony of London Olympic Games 2012.

Concert pianist Lang Lang is a young entrant at only 28. He has been performing since the age of five when he won the Shenyang Piano Competition. He was seen by a huge international audience performing at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Prolific children’s author, poet, reviewer and commentator, Philip Ardagh makes reference to the 100+ books he has written in his new entry, and reveals some unusual recreations; ‘general beard maintenance, ducking through doorways, visiting historical and archaeological sites, Sherlock Holmes’.

Injecting some glamour into the list of new entries this year are hairdresser, entrepreneur and businessman Vidal Sassoon and designer Matthew Williamson.

Sporting prowess

Olympic gold medal cyclist Bradley Wiggins makes a welcome entry from the world of sport as does Philip Lane, Chief Executive Officer, British Paralympic Association, and Christopher Holmes,...