The 23 most powerful LGBT executives in the world in 2015

2015 has been an incredible year for the progression in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights across the globe.

The US Supreme Court legalised same-sex marriage is all 50 states of America in June this year while Caitlyn Jenner gave more prominence to the LGBT community with her reveal.

And in the business world, OUTstanding, the LGBT networking group, unveiled the most powerful LGBT executives in the world.

OUTstanding lists 100 people who it thinks challenges the presumption that you can't be openly LGBT and be successful in business. In conjunction with the Financial Times, it makes the list each year.

"Those featured are an inspiration to anyone who fears that they may have to be closeted at work, and waste valuable effort muting their authentic selves," said Suki Sandhu, chief executive of OUTstanding.

However, notably Apple's CEO Tim Cook was missing. OUTstanding said that it was forced to omit him because it was unable to gain permission for him to be included in the list.