Thirty-six business leaders, innovators, creatives and trailblazers are named today as finalists for the Black British Business Awards 2025 (BBBAwards).
Recognising exceptional performance of Black professionals and entrepreneurs, this is the premier UK awards ceremony of its kind, attracting nominees from some of the most prestigious global brands and founders of exciting UK businesses. Finalists this year come from companies including JPMorganChase, Goldman Sachs, Sephora, Dentsu Creative, LinkedIn and Kantar.
Now in its 12th year, the BBBAwards have already recognised more than 400 Black professionals and entrepreneurs for their contributions to business in addition to employers and allies that continue to address Black racial equity gaps. This year’s finalists – and overall category winners – will be celebrated on 17th October at a prestigious awards ceremony at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, joined by senior figures in British business, prominent opinion leaders and influencers representing all sectors and regions of the British economy.
Speaking today as the 2025 finalists are revealed BBBAwards Chair and Executive Founder Dr Sophie Chandauka MBEemphasised their impact: “I am proud to celebrate this year’s BBBAwards finalists – worldclass professionals and entrepreneurs whose achievements inspire us all and raise aspirations across society. We applaud companies that are backing Black talent and taking meaningful action to ensure transparent and equitable distribution of capital, access to opportunity and top jobs. In the war-on-talent, risk-based problem solving is not a zero-sum game. This means addressing material gaps and issues impacting different populations whilst celebrating a job well done as progress is made. We can drive progress towards a fairer, more equal society and a truly inclusive British economy where investment and effort are allocated strategically to solve problems that, once addressed, can contribute a more stable future for our children and greater prosperity for all. We are stronger when we are brave enough to acknowledge and solve problems together.”
The BBBAwards once again welcomes Wells Fargo, who return for a sixth year as Finalist Announcement Sponsor.
Also returning for the sixth year, JPMorganChase is the Key Partner of the BBBAwards, continuing its long-standing support of the BBBAwards and recognition of Black excellence and entrepreneurship. The Financial Times hosted the exciting BBBAwards nominations reception, Oliver Wyman hosted the highly competitive judging day and Wells Fargo hosted the highly anticipated finalist announcement reception.
Further significant corporate BBBAwards sponsors this year are AlixPartners, Baker McKenzie, Barclays, Bloomberg, The Financial Times, Goldman Sachs, L’Oréal, Macquarie Group, Morgan Stanley, S&P Global, Ralph Lauren, Wellington Management and Worldpay. Their support is invaluable to ensuring that equitable investment and opportunity for Black talent remains on the corporate agenda by celebrating the often-unsung commercial contributions of Black professionals and entrepreneurs who deserve a platform to shine.
The 2025 BBBAwards honours exceptional performance and outstanding achievements by Black professionals and entrepreneurs across six industry categories. This year’s category finalists are:
Arts and Media Rising Star
- Marissa McKinnon, Venue and Operations Manager, Theatre Peckham
- Tayo Ologbenla, Head of Digital Marketing and Engagement, Savills
- Joelle Owusu-Sekyere, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House
- Aston Brooks-Ashitey, Senior Brand Social Marketing Manager, LinkedIn
- Ete Davies, EMEA EVP, Dentsu Creative
- Jamie Wallace, Founder and Creative Director, Origin
- Janet Davies, CEO, Ominira Naturals
- Jane Msumba, Pharmacist Health Coach, Inner Glow Clinic
- Nathaniel Wade, Co-Founder, Wakuda
- Belinda Brown, CFO, Sephora UK
- Alison Burton, Co-Founder, March Muses
- Jamie-Lee Abtar, Head of Marketing, Not In The Guidebooks
- Rukayat Alabi, CEO, RKY Careers
- Lucky Nwosu, Founder and CEO, Sercasa
- Nnaemeka Obodoekwe, CTO, Lenkie Technologies Ltd
- Jones Amegbor, Founder and CEO, PayInc Group Ltd t/a PayAngel
- Joey Antwi-Kusi, Franchisee, Beaconstead Ltd t/a McDonald’s
- Rose Hulse, Founder and CEO, ScreenHits TV
- Ayo Gabriel, Vice President, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
- Ahanna Anaba, Head of Sales and Partnership, Finverity
- Seun Toye-Kayode, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs
- Daouii Abouchere, Director Sustainable Investments EMEA, Wellington Management
- Gabriel Bolu, Senior Director, Data Commercialisation, Worldpay
- Shauna Roper, Chief of Staff, Global Procurement, HSBC
- Mavis Amonoo-Acquah, Barrister, Harcourt Chambers
- Sarah Flambard, Lawyer, Macquarie Group
- Lulu Isdory, Technology Consultant, EY
- Landé Belo, Group Legal Director, Employment Counsel, Kantar
- Oluchi Ikechi-D’Amico, Partner, EY Parthenon
- Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson, Managing Director, EMEA Head, Tax Solutions, S&P Global Market Intelligence
- Kevin Ampeh, Director and Head of Global Perspectives, IQVIA
- Jennifer Dominic, Head of Marketing (Brand Lead and Team Lead) UK Oncology, MSD UK
- Daniel Ukasoanya, Global Supply Planner, Bloomberg
- Heather Brown, Growth and Experience Design Director, Sage
- Serufusa Sekidde, Chief of Staff to the CEO, ViiV Healthcare – GSK
- Tara Gbolade, Director, Gbolade Design Studio
