Mark Runacus and Bauer’s Dee Ford among those awarded in Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List

He was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to advertising.

He said: “As an industry we create content that is capable of influencing huge swathes of the country, and as such we have a huge responsibility - and opportunity - to ensure we use our collective voice for good.

“Banging the drum on behalf of all LGBTQ folk out there to ensure the ad industry portrays them more fairly, accurately and without stereotyping, is just an instinctive reaction of mine.

“While it is a huge honour to be nominated for an MBE, I accept it on behalf of all the people I work with – and have worked with over the years – in my various capacities both professional and voluntary. I’ve lost count of the people who have inspired and influenced me, driven me to push harder in my lobbying or simply worked tirelessly alongside me and all my other colleagues to the same ends.

“I’m a firm believer that lobbying for what you believe in is the most effective way to bring about positive change so I simply use my natural confidence and years of experience to push the agenda forward.”

Meanwhile, Dee Ford, the group managing director at Bauer Media, was named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to radio.

Dee has been at the helm of Bauer Radio UK since 1998, now overseeing brands such as Absolute Radio, Kiss, Magic Radio and the Hits Radio Network.

Paul Keenan, president of audio at Bauer Media, said: “Dee, leader of our UK radio business, and now a CBE in recognition of her awesome and distinguished contribution to the industry. From starting in sales in Radio City in 1987 to building one of the world’s best radio businesses, Dee is a legend. Congratulations."

Other industry luminaries to make the list included Dr Samir Shah, chief executive and creative director at Juniper Television who was awarded an CBE for his services to TV and Heritage. Edwina Dunn, the co-founder of Dunnhumby and now chief executive of Starcount, was given an OBE for her services to Data and Business in the UK, alongside co-founder and chief data scientist Clive Humby who was awarded the same honour.

Benedict Blackstone Evans, the director of the London Design Festival, was given an CBE for services to the Creative Industries. And Keith Fowler, the former chief executive of RSCG Marketing (now Havas Worldwide London) and current trustee of Nabs, was awarded an MBE for his lifetime of voluntary service.

Keith has actively volunteered his support for Nabs for more than 40 years, serving as a director and trustee, as well as more recently chair of the Governance Committee.

Meanwhile, Mike Perls, founder and chief executive at Manchester marketing agency MC2, was also awarded an MBE for services to the community of Manchester.

Perls - who since founding MC2 in 1999 has taken the agency from a two-man start-up to one of the largest independents in its sector with offices in Manchester and San Francisco - also holds a number of pro-bono roles in the city including chair of GreaterSport, visiting professor for marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University, where he is also a member of Board of Governors, and Trustee of the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s Charity.

“To be nationally recognised for my contribution to the community of a city that I love is beyond special. But this award isn’t just for me. Manchester is a very special place and the collaborative leadership shown by those in public office, the charity sector and the business community creates an environment that encourages people like me to step forward and make a positive difference, he said.

"And I couldn’t have been part of this without my amazing family who have taught me that what really matters is to care about those around us. I would like to encourage even more people in the business community to step forward and join the movement. Together we can make a real difference.”