Dean Forbes tops Powerlist 2025 of influential Black Britons
UK's most influential Black individuals celebrated in Powerlist 2025
The Powerlist 2025 has revealed the UK’s most influential Black individuals. This annual compilation highlights prominent figures of African, African Caribbean, and African American descent in the UK.
Dean Forbes, the CEO of Forterro, a global software firm, tops the list this year. He succeeds last year’s leader, Edward Enninful, the former British Vogue Editor-In-Chief. Forbes, a prominent business executive, is recognised for his contributions to various industries.
Joining Forbes in the Top 10 are Bernard Mensah, President of International at Bank of America and CEO of Merrill Lynch International, and Afua Kyei, CFO at the Bank of England.
#R4Today Let's celebrate in #BlackHistoryMonthUK the brilliant Dean Forbes, from homelessness to the very top, well done Dean. pic.twitter.com/Z7HeZQLWuS
— lester broom 🌄 (@lesterbroom48) October 25, 2024
The list also features new entrants like Emma Grede, a founding partner of Kim Kardashian’s Skims; Adejoké Bakare, the UK’s first Black female Michelin-starred chef; Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu, creator of Netflix’s hit show Supercell; and actor Damson Idris, known for his role in the crime drama Snowfall.
Tonight, the Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards will honour this year’s Powerlistees at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Tim Campbell, MBE, will host the event.
1. Dean Forbes – CEO, Forterro; Partner, Corten Capital; Chair, Forbes Family Group
2. Bernard Mensah – President of International, Bank of America; CEO, MLI
3. Afua Kyei – CFO, 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
Forbes expressed his gratitude, stating that being named number one is a tremendous honour. He reflected on his journey from southeast London to leading global enterprises, emphasising the significance of resilience, community, and seizing opportunities. Forbes hopes his story inspires others from similar backgrounds to pursue their dreams.
Forbes also highlighted the importance of mentorship and support. He aims to create opportunities for young people who need extra encouragement to reach their potential. This mission, he said, is very personal to him.
Launched in 2005, the Powerlist celebrates Black role models to inspire youth. It is now a leading authority on Black influence in the UK. Partnered with J.P. Morgan, the Powerlist honours outstanding individuals across various sectors, including business, science, technology, and the arts.
Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media, praised Forbes for his exceptional business acumen and his dedication to community support through the Forbes Family Group Foundation. The judges recognised Forbes for his exemplary contributions beyond his professional achievements.
Cecil Peters from JPMorganChase commended the Powerlist for highlighting exceptional Black talent in the UK. He acknowledged Forbes as an outstanding entrepreneur and philanthropist, embodying the excellence and positive influence the Powerlist aims to promote.
The Powerlist’s judging criteria focus on the ability to positively impact events and lives over time. The previous year’s winner is automatically inducted into the Hall of Fame.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Access Group highlights Dean Forbes’ exceptional business leadership and entrepreneurial success, emphasizing his commitment to mentoring young people and community work through The Forbes Family Group.(read more)
- Africanews highlights Edward Enninful as the UK’s most influential Black person in 2024, celebrating Black role models and their contributions to various sectors.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who topped the Powerlist 2025?
Dean Forbes, CEO of Forterro.
What is the Powerlist?
An annual list highlighting the UK’s most influential Black individuals.
Who hosted the Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards?
Tim Campbell, MBE.
Who was the previous year’s Powerlist leader?
Edward Enninful, former British Vogue Editor-In-Chief.
When was the Powerlist launched?
In 2005.
