Bank chief Bernard Mensah, Emma Grede, CEO Good American and Alexander and Oliver Kent-Braham also make the Top 10
London, Friday 25th October 2024 – Dean Forbes, British business executive and CEO of Forterro, a global software solutions company, has been named the UK’s most influential Black person by The Powerlist 2025. The annual list recognises the UK’s most powerful people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage.
Forbes, a transformative leader in the tech sector, heads the prestigious list, which celebrates Black excellence across various industries, replacing former British Vogue Editor-In-Chief Edward Enninful who was number one last year. He is joined in the Top 10 by influential figures such as Bernard Mensah, President of International at Bank of America and Chief Executive Officer of Merrill Lynch International (MLI) and Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer at the Bank of England.
Newcomers on the Powerlist 2025, in partnership with J.P. Morgan, include Emma Grede, founding partner of Kim Kardashian’s $4 billion Skims empire; Adejoké Bakare, the UK’s first Black female Michelin-starred chef; Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu, Creator of Netflix’s recent global smash hit show Supercell; and Damson Idris, star of hit crime drama Snowfall.
This year’s Powerlistees will be honoured at the Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards on Friday, October 25, 2024, hosted by businessman and television personality Tim Campbell, MBE at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The full Powerlist 2025 Top 10 is as follows:
- Dean Forbes – CEO, Forterro, Partner Corten Capital, Chair Forbes Family Group
- Bernard Mensah – President of International, Bank of America; Chief Executive Officer, MLI
- Afua Kyei – Chief Financial Officer, Bank of England
- Emma Grede – CEO and Co-Founder, Good American; Founding Partner, Skims
- Joshua Siaw, MBE – Partner, White & Case
- Tunde Olanrewaju – Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
- Alexander and Oliver Kent-Braham – Founders, Marshmallow
- Adejoke Bakaré – Chef-owner, Chishuru, Michelin starred restaurant
- Justin Onuekwusi – CIO, St. James’s Place
- Pamela Maynard – Chief AI Transformation Officer, Microsoft
Dean Forbes said; “To be named number one on the Powerlist is an incredible honour. My journey, from growing up in southeast London to leading global businesses, has shown me the power of resilience, the importance of community, and seizing every opportunity. I hope my story can inspire others from similar backgrounds to believe in their potential and work hard to achieve their dreams.”
Forbes explained; “My journey was shaped by those who believed in me and opened doors, and now I’m determined to pay it forward. I want to provide opportunities for young people who, like me, need that extra support to achieve their potential. This mission is deeply personal to me.”
The Powerlist, launched in 2005, was created to showcase Black role models to inspire young people. Today, it is widely regarded as the leading authority on issues of Black influence in the UK. In partnership with J.P. Morgan, the Powerlist honours incredible men and women across a diverse range of industries, including business, science, technology, and the arts.
Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media, publisher of the Powerlist, said; “What really stood out, beyond Dean’s impeccable track record in business, is how he’s used his skills to truly give back, particularly by supporting community charities through his Forbes Family Group Foundation. The judges felt that, more than anyone, Dean had gone above and beyond in this area. He’s unique and truly deserves to be our Number One. It’s an honour to celebrate Dean and all of our incredible Powerlistees this year.”
Cecil Peters, EMEA Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and EMEA Head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorganChase said; “As a long-time partner of the Powerlist, it is a privilege to witness first-hand the incredible Black talent that exists in the UK, and with great pride that we help shine a spotlight on this talent. This year’s recognition of Dean Forbes as an outstanding entrepreneur, philanthropist, and business leader is timely and well-deserved. His achievements exemplify the excellence, inspiration, positive influence, and opportunity we wish to see for the next generation of leaders.
“At JPMorganChase, we are committed to supporting initiatives that elevate diverse talent and break barriers across industries. It’s a demonstration of our commitment to the partnership and their hard work that the Powerlist in its 19th year, continues to be the premier voice for recognising black excellence in the UK.”
Judging criteria for the Powerlist is based on its definition of influence: “The ability to positively alter events and change lives as demonstrated over a reasonable period of time.” The previous year’s winner is automatically entered into the Hall of Fame.
MEDIA INFORMATION
For further information:
Rebecca Spencer
M: 07476 102531
E: rebecca@es-pr.co.uk
E: launch@es-pr.co.uk
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Notes to Editors:
1.The Powerlist 2025 and Celebration of Black Excellence Awards takes place on Friday October 25th, 2024, Grosvenor House, 86-90 Park Lane, London.
2.An independent panel of judges selected the Powerlist 2025.
3.The full Powerlist 2025 judging panel consisted of:
The Hon. Dame Linda Dobbs, DBE (Chair) – Judicial Commissioner, Former High Court Judge
Tim Campbell – Businessman
Shauna Roper – Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion, Global Functions, HSBC
Daniel Taylor MBE – Design Specialist
Cecil Peters – EMEA Head of DEI and Advancing Black Pathways, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co
Alwin Swales – PwC UK Partner
Matthew Ryder – Barrister (KC), Matrix Chambers
Adenike Adenitire – Director of Editorial, Powerful Media
4.Judging Criteria:
Entrants were judged on their “ability to change lives and alter events, as demonstrated over a protracted period of time and in a positive manner”.
5.Selected names from the Powerlist 2025 are available for interview.
6.Previous Powerlist number ones, now inducted into the Hall of Fame, include prominent figures such as former Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful OBE; former John Lewis Chair, Dame Sharon White; campaigner Gina Miller; Sir Damon Buffini; former Children’s Laureate, Malorie Blackman; philanthropist, Sir Mo Ibrahim; Former CEO of Group M UK, Karen Blackett OBE; entrepreneur, educational philanthropist and Chairperson of the Rugby Football Union, Tom Ilube; former Credit Suisse CEO and Executive Chairman of Freedom Acquisition Corp, Tidjane Thiam; diplomat, barrister and politician, Baroness Scotland; Founder and Co-Chair of Tristan Capital Partners, Ric Lewis; Founder and Chairman of WorldRemit, Ismail Ahmed; seven-time Formula One World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton; and Senior Partner and Chief Technology and Platform Officer at McKinsey, and former Corporate Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Microsoft US, Jacky Wright.
7.The Powerlist was launched in 2005 to showcase black role models to young people. It is now regarded as the leading authority on issues of black influence.
8.The Powerlist is open to Black Britons wherever they live in the world and to anyone in the UK who is of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage.
9.Politicians and the Powerlist. Why there are no parliamentary politicians in the Powerlist:
At last year’s judging session, we resolved that the Powerlist would no longer include parliamentary politicians in its annual rankings.
The Powerlist has proudly upheld a non-partisan and apolitical ethos since its inception. We never, for example, ask any of the nominees about their political leanings, and they are not judged on that basis either.
The decision to exclude parliamentary politicians from the Powerlist marks a significant shift in the list’s trajectory and reflects the evolving challenges posed by the political landscape and underscores the Powerlist’s unwavering commitment to its mission of recognising and celebrating excellence within black communities free from the constraints of political biases and affiliations.
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2025 Powerlistees – The full listing of the Powerlist 2025 is as follows. NEW entrants are highlighted in bold.
Top 10 (ranked)
1.Dean Forbes – CEO, Forterro, Partner Corten Capital, Chair Forbes Family Group
2.Bernard Mensah – President of International, Bank of America; Chief Executive Officer, MLI
3.Afua Kyei – Chief Financial Officer, Bank of England
4.Emma Grede – CEO and Co-Founder, Good American; Founding Partner, Skims
5.Joshua Siaw, MBE – Partner, White & Case
6.Tunde Olanrewaju – Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
7.Alexander and Oliver Kent-Braham – Founders, Marshmallow
8.Adejoke Bakaré – Chef-owner, Chishuru, Michelin starred restaurant
9.Justin Onuekwusi – CIO, St. James’s Place
10.Pamela Maynard – Chief AI Transformation Officer, Microsoft
The list below is not ranked:
Arts
- Cassa Pancho, Founder, artistic director and CEO,Ballet Black
- Dame Pat McGrath, DBE Make-up Artist/Founder, Pat McGrath Labs
- Grace Wales-Bonner, Fashion Designer
- Hurvin Anderson, Artist
- Lubaina Himid CBE, Artist
- Lynette Yiadom- Boakye, Artist
- Maximilian Davis Creative Director, Salvatore Ferragamo
- Michael Armitage, Artist
- Sir Frank Bowling, Artist
Business
- Anthony Laville, Property developer
- Bolaji Sofoluwe, Managing director, Enterprise Trade and Knowledge Group; chair of the board, BGEN International
- Camille Drummond, Senior Vice President, Global Services, BP
- Dawid Konotey-Ahulu, Co-founder at Redington, Mallowstreet and 10,000 Interns Foundation
- Dawn Dinkins, Chief Operating Officer, Reinsurance, AXA XL
- Dr Raphael Sofoluke, Entrepreneur, speaker and founder, Black Business Show
- Emeka Emembolu, Executive Vice President of Technology, BP
- Eric Collins, CEO and co-founder, Impact X Capital, host of The Money Maker, author
- Frank Okoisor, Chief Executive Officer, Toyota Connected Europe
- Funmi Adegoke, CEO Safety Sector, Halma plc
- Lje Nwokorie, Incoming CEO, Dr Martens Plc
- John McCalla-Leacy, Head of Global Environment, Social & Governance (ESG), KPMG International, and ESG Vice- Chairman, KPMG UK
- Kene Ejikeme, Partner, Head of Multi Asset Platform Sales and High Touch Execution in EMEA, Goldman Sachs
- Kojo Boakye, Vice President of Public Policy for Africa, Middle East and Türkiye, Meta
- Ola Fadipe, Senior Director, People Experience, Google
- Pamela Hutchinson, OBE Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Bloomberg
- Roni Savage, CEO & Founder of Jomas Associates
- Steven Bartlett, Entrepreneur and Dragon, Dragon’s Den
- Syreeta Brown, Group Chief People and Communications Officer, Virgin Money UK
- Tevin Tobun, CEO, GV Group (Gate Ventures) and ROUTD
- Tosin Akinluyi, Managing Director and EMEA Head of Macro Research at Morgan Stanley
- Yemi Edun, Founder and CEO, Daniel Ford & Co and Daniel Ford International
Media, Publishing, Entertainment & Sport
- Alex Scott MBE, Former England Footballer, TV Presenter
- Andrea Thompson, Editor in Chief, UK Marie Claire
- Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu, Rapper, Writer, Director, Producer
- Anne Mensah, Vice President Content UK, Netflix
- Austin Daboh, Executive Vice President UK; President of Black Music, Atlantic Records
- Bernardine Evaristo, Writer, Professor of Creative Writing, Brunel
- Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content, British Vogue
- Cush Jumbo, Actor, and writer
- Damson Idris, Actor, and producer
- David Olusoga, Historian, Joint Creative, Director of Uplands Television Ltd
- Debbie Ramsay, Editor, Channel 5 News
- Glyn Aikins, Co-President, RCA UK and Since 93; Board of Governors, The Southbank Centre
- Idris Elba, OBE Actor, Producer
- Jeymes Samuel, Writer, director, singer-songwriter, and music producer
- Joivan Wade, Percelle Ascott and Tafara Makopa – Co-Founders, Wall of Entertainment
- Kenya Hunt, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE UK
- Koby ‘Post’ Hagan, Founder, GRM (Grime and Rap Music) Daily
- Casyo ‘Krept’, Johnson & Sasha, Ellese Gilbert – Co-Founders, Nala’s Baby skincare
- KSI, Influencer, musician, entrepreneur
- Lorna Clarke, Director of Music, BBC
- Patricia Bright, Digital Content Creator and Entrepreneur
- Paulette Simpson, CBE Executive, Corporate Affairs and Public Policy, Jamaica National Bank; Executive Director, The Voice Media Group
- Riki Bleau, Founder and Co-President, Since ’93
- Safiya Lambie-Knight, Head of music, Spotify UK, and Ireland
- Sheniece Charway, Head of Black Music, and Culture EMEA, YouTube
- Stormzy, Grime Artist and Philanthropist
Politics, Law & Religion
- Dr Sandie Okoro, Group General Counsel, Standard Chartered Bank
- Harry Matovu, KC Barrister
- Jacqueline McKenzie, Specialist Windrush solicitor, Partner, Leigh Day
- Sandra Paul, Partner, Kingsley Napley
- Sandra Wallace CBE, Partner & Joint Managing Director, UK and Europe, DLA Piper
- Segun Osuntokun, Partner in Charge UK, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner
- Tom Shropshire, General Counsel & Company Secretary, Diageo
Public & Third Sector
- Andrew Fairbairn, Co-Chair and Co-Founder, SEO London; Executive Vice President, SEO USA
- Baron Woolley of Woodford, Co-founder, Operation Black Vote & Principal, Homerton College, Cambridge University
- Comfort Ero, President & CEO of the International Crisis Group
- Dr Patrick Roach, General Secretary at NASUWT
- Eva Omaghomi, Director of Community Engagement, The Household of King Charles III, and the Queen Consort
- Oba Nsugbe, Chair, The Africa Centre
- Professor Patricia Kingori, Senior Investigator, Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford
- Sheron Carter, CEO, Hexagon
- Sonita Alleyne, OBE Master, Jesus College, Cambridge
Science, Medicine & Engineering
- Dr Joy Odili, Consultant Plastic Surgeon
- Dr Sylvia Bartley, Chief of Staff for Strategy and Transformation at the Dean and EVP of Health Affairs at Morehouse School of Medicine
- Gisela Abbam, First Black Chair, The General Pharmaceutical Council & Senior Director, Government Affairs, Revvity
- Martin Griffiths, Consultant Trauma and Vascular Surgeon, Barts NHS Health Trust & National Clinical Director for Violence Reduction, NHS England Consultant Trauma and Vascular Surgeon, Barts NHS Health Trust & National Clinical Director for Violence Reduction, NHS England
- Professor Kevin Fenton, Regional Director for London, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities at the Department of Health and Social Care, President, UK Faculty of Public Health, Chief Advisor to the Government on HIV; President, British Science Association
- Samantha Tross, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Technology
- Alex Okosi, Managing Director, Google Africa
- Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, MBE CEO and Co-Founder, STEMettes
- Ezechi Britton CEO, Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology
- Flavilla Fongang, Founder & CEO of Black Rise; Founder of GTA Black Women In Tech, Founder of 3 Colours Rule
- Renee Hunt, Chief Technology Officer, Compare the Market
- Rob Pierre, Investor, Advisor, Founder and Former CEO of Jellyfish
- Simon Hepburn, Chief Executive, The Security Institute
- Vanessa Kingori, MBE Managing Director of Technology, Media, and Telecoms, Google UK & Ireland
ENDS