The Powerlist 2025 Names Previously Homeless Tech Boss as UK’s ‘Most Influential Black Person’
The Powerlist 2025, an annual honor roll celebrating the UK’s most influential Black leaders, has crowned Dean Forbes, the previously homeless tech CEO, as the UK’s most influential Black person. Forbes’ ascent from homelessness to becoming a powerful CEO is a testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership, inspiring countless individuals across industries. Forbes leads a prestigious list that includes industry leaders in banking, AI, and even Michelin-starred cuisine, highlighting the extraordinary contributions and impact of Black professionals in the UK.
1. Dean Forbes
- Role: Chief Executive Officer, Forterro; Partner, Corten Capital; Chair, Forbes Family Group
- Achievements: Named the most influential Black person in the UK for 2025, Dean Forbes’ story is an inspiring testament to resilience. From experiencing homelessness to now helming Forterro, Forbes has built a reputation for revitalizing companies and building inclusive workplaces. Under his leadership, Forterro has become a major force in enterprise software across Europe. Forbes is also a partner at Corten Capital, where he focuses on transformative investments, and chairs the Forbes Family Group, dedicated to supporting Black entrepreneurs and communities.
2. Bernard Mensah
- Role: President of International, Bank of America; CEO, MLI
- Achievements: As the president of Bank of America International, Bernard Mensah oversees operations in over 30 countries. Known for his strategic leadership, Mensah was instrumental in guiding Bank of America’s global expansion and increasing the bank’s market share in Europe and Asia. Mensah’s innovative approach has earned him a spot as one of the UK’s top financial minds.
3. Afua Kyei
- Role: Chief Financial Officer, Bank of England
- Achievements: Afua Kyei is the first Black CFO in the Bank of England’s 300-year history, a milestone that reflects her impressive career in finance. Known for her work in economic risk management and digital finance, Kyei plays a critical role in the Bank’s strategic planning. She advocates for diverse representation in financial institutions, inspiring the next generation of Black professionals.
4. Emma Grede
- Role: CEO and Co-Founder, Good American; Founding Partner, Skims
- Achievements: Emma Grede has made waves in both the fashion and business worlds as the CEO and co-founder of Good American, a body-positive clothing line, and as a founding partner of Skims. Grede’s success in establishing inclusive brands that resonate globally speaks to her vision and commitment to diversity. Her contributions to accessible and inclusive fashion continue to transform the industry, positioning her among the UK’s most influential Black business leaders.
5. Joshua Siaw, MBE
- Role: Partner, White & Case
- Achievements: Joshua Siaw is a prominent figure in the legal sector, known for his expertise in international finance law and his advocacy for African investment. As a partner at White & Case, Siaw provides strategic counsel to governments and multinational corporations, with a focus on African economic growth. His MBE award underscores his contributions to law and economic development, solidifying his place on the Powerlist.
6. Tunde Olanrewaju
- Role: Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
- Achievements: Tunde Olanrewaju is recognized for his insights in digital transformation and innovation at McKinsey & Company. A trusted advisor to Fortune 500 CEOs, Olanrewaju helps companies navigate the digital economy. His impact extends beyond consulting, as he also champions diversity and inclusion initiatives within the firm, marking him as a leading influence in tech and business strategy.
7. Alexander and Oliver Kent-Braham
- Role: Co-Founders, Marshmallow
- Achievements: Brothers Alexander and Oliver Kent-Braham co-founded Marshmallow, a digital insurance company leveraging AI to create fair and affordable insurance solutions. The first Black-owned billion-dollar tech startup in the UK, Marshmallow addresses financial inequalities in insurance. Their innovation in fintech and commitment to social equity has earned them a place among the UK’s most transformative entrepreneurs.
8. Adejoke Bakare
- Role: Chef-Owner, Chishuru, Michelin-Starred Restaurant
- Achievements: Adejoke Bakare’s restaurant Chishuru has become a Michelin-starred sensation, known for its modern take on West African cuisine. Bakare’s culinary vision has pushed boundaries in the UK’s dining scene, making Chishuru a culinary landmark. Her influence as a Black chef-owner leading a Michelin-starred establishment has transformed perceptions of African cuisine and inspired countless chefs globally.
9. Justin Onuekwusi
- Role: Chief Investment Officer, St. James’s Place
- Achievements: Justin Onuekwusi has been influential in the investment world, particularly in advocating for responsible investing. As the CIO of St. James’s Place, he oversees asset management strategies with a focus on long-term sustainability. His dedication to ESG (environmental, social, and governance) initiatives places him at the forefront of ethical investment, making a lasting impact in finance.
10. Pamela Maynard
- Role: Chief AI Transformation Officer, Microsoft
- Achievements: Pamela Maynard leads Microsoft’s AI transformation strategy, driving the integration of artificial intelligence into various sectors. Known for her expertise in tech innovation, Maynard has helped organizations navigate AI responsibly and ethically. Her leadership at one of the world’s largest tech companies cements her place as a trailblazer in AI and tech transformation.
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The Powerlist: Celebrating Black Excellence and Influence in the UK
Since 2007, The Powerlist has celebrated the remarkable achievements of Black leaders and influencers who have shaped the UK across fields from business and tech to the arts and public service. This prestigious list was founded by Powerful Media, an organization dedicated to increasing visibility and creating opportunities for Black professionals. Each year, The Powerlist honors 100 outstanding Black Britons whose contributions continue to impact the economy, inspire society, and pave the way for future generations.
The Powerlist doesn’t just showcase financial success or industry influence; it focuses on individuals who’ve fostered change, challenged norms, and inspired communities. The list is curated by an independent panel of judges who review a range of nominees. These judges look beyond personal achievements, recognizing those whose work and presence have created opportunities, sparked change, or addressed inequalities.
From its inception, The Powerlist has been more than just a ranking; it’s a movement that spotlights positive Black representation and encourages excellence. Through its yearly recognition of individuals like Dean Forbes, Bernard Mensah, and Emma Grede, the list amplifies inspiring stories of resilience, innovation, and leadership, setting an enduring example for generations to come.
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