Anne Aslett and David Furnish named 2025 Outstanding Role Models 

The Elton John AIDS Foundation’s work to end AIDS and combat LGBTQ+ stigma is powered by people who lead with conviction and humanity, qualities that our CEO, Anne Aslett, and Chair, David Furnish, embody every day.

We are proud to celebrate their inclusion in INvolve People’s 2025 Outstanding Role Models List, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to equality, health, and human rights. David appears on the list for the tenth consecutive year, taking the top spot as #1 on the Executives Role Model List. Anne, recognized for the fourth year in a row, ranks in the top five on the Advocates Role Model List.

As the third-largest philanthropic funder of HIV programs for LGBTQ+ communities globally, we focus on expanding access to HIV prevention and treatment, fighting stigma and discrimination, and influencing governments to increase their support for LGBTQ+ people. Anne and David’s leadership continues to strengthen this mission, ensuring everyone can live healthy lives, free from fear.

David Furnish is an accomplished CEO who has championed diversity and inclusion at Rocket Entertainment Group and the Elton John AIDS Foundation. He became CEO of Rocket Entertainment in 2015, modernizing and refocusing the business globally while managing Elton John full time. As Chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, David is a leading voice in the global fight against HIV/AIDS and for LGBTQ+ equality, championing the Foundation’s critical work in combating stigma, discrimination, and violence. He also co-hosts the Foundation’s annual Oscars Party, which in 2025 raised a record-breaking $8.9million to support life-saving programs worldwide. Recognized as Billboard’s Pride Executive of the Year in 2024, he continues to drive visibility, inclusivity, and systemic change for LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.

As CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Anne Aslett has transformed global efforts to advance LGBTQ+ health and equality. Under her leadership, the Foundation has supported tens of thousands of individuals with HIV testing, treatment, and stigma-free care. Anne has championed opt-out HIV testing in England, secured government funding for expanded services, and launched initiatives like the Rocket Fund to combat LGBTQ+ stigma. She has been a visible advocate at international forums, including the International AIDS Conference and Downing Street, and has raised awareness through media engagements. Anne’s commitment to inclusion is deeply personal, inspired by the loss of her brother to AIDS. Her leadership has earned her accolades like Hero of the Year at the Burberry British Diversity Awards, making her a transformative force for LGBTQ+ rights and health equity. 

In 2025, under Anne’s leadership, the Elton John AIDS Foundation awarded 16 new LGBTQ+ focused grants to partners working in countries with some of the harshest anti-LBGTQ+ laws and most widespread discrimination. Through these partners, over 43,000 LGBTQ+ people were tested for HIV, 13,829 eligible people were enrolled on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and 667 HIV-positive clients were supported in accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART). With the Foundation’s funding, our partners also trained 955 health workers and 241 peer educators to deliver LGBTQ+ friendly services.