Virgin Holidays boss Mark Anderson ranked 31, where he was praised for ensuring that LGBT equality sits at the “core of Virgin Holidays”.

“This includes the development of a three-year plan that will see an updated diversity and inclusion policy adopted by the company, and a partnership with Stonewall to become a Diversity Champion,” OUTstanding said.

“From an external perspective he has also updated Virgin Holidays brand purpose to ‘Everyone can take on the world’ so equality underpins all brand activity – including hero initiatives such as the Attitude Awards sponsorship.”

Meanwhile Jo Rzymowska, Celebrity Cruises managing director UK and Ireland ranked 93, and was praised for the way in which the line has embraced diversity and inclusion plans globally, under her leadership.

"Each of their Executive Committee members are now involved in promoting their Diversity and Inclusion ethos. They have introduced workshops linked to diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to put forward suggestions and ideas," OUTstanding said.

TTG LGBT was also name-checked, with both Anderson and Rzymowska noted for their support in the initiative.

Anderson was recognised as being a “founding member of an industry LGBT body – TTG LGBT – which is designed to promote tolerance and diversity within the travel industry”.

Rzymowska was acknowledged for driving the launch of TTG LGBT in conjunction with TTG.

[TTG] is “the first ever primary trade paper to set up a network group in the Travel Industry. They also held the first LGBT travel conference in the UK linked to staff recruitment and retention and consumer marketing and communications”, OUTstanding said.

Elsewhere Alan Joycem group chief executive of Qantas was third in the list. He has been in the role for the past eight years, with OUTstanding stating that he had been "instrumental in building an inclusive environment within Australia’s national airline."

It added: "Qantas has recently launched an LGBT group for employees to go alongside its other internal diversity programs, which are targeted at removing bias in the workplace and recruitment processes... He uses the platform of CEO to speak up for inclusion and diversity, including taking part in the Economist’s Pride and Prejudice event in Hong Kong, interviews with the Australian and international media, and recent opinion pieces for The Guardian and The Australian."

Chief executive and founder of OUTstanding, Suki Sandhu added: “Large corporations have the power and influence to promote LGBT+ inclusion and pave the way for real societal change around the world.

"By recognising the impact of those who are leading the charge, the OUTstanding Leading LGBT+ & Ally Executives and LGBT+ Future Leaders Lists continue to inspire both businesses and individuals to drive LGBT+ equality forward.

"OUTstanding exists to challenge the assumption that you cannot be out and successful in business, to create role models that will inspire the next generation of business leaders and to encourage companies to use their far reaching voices for good.”