The finalists for the Black British Business Awards 2025 (BBBAwards) have been announced, recognising exceptional performance of Black professionals and entrepreneurs.
Thirty-six business leaders, innovators, creatives and trailblazers from some of the most prestigious brands and exciting UK businesses will attend the premier UK awards ceremony this October, at the InterContinental London, Park Lane.
The BBBAwards is the only premium awards programme of its kind in the UK, after being established in 2014, and has been endorsed by four Prime Ministers, the Mayor of London and global business leaders for it’s impact and powerful showcase.
This is the 12th year of the BBBAwards which will see finalists from companies including JPMorganChase, Goldman Sachs, Sephora, Dentsu Creative, LinkedIn and Kantar, be joined by senior figures in British business, prominent opinion leaders and influencers representing all sectors and regions of the British economy. The awards will also once again welcome Wells Fargo as the Finalist Announcement Sponsor, for the sixth year running.
Over the years, more than 400 Black professionals and entrepreneurs have been recognised for their contributions to business in addition to employers and allies that continue to address Black racial equity gaps.
BBBAwards Chair and Executive Founder, Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE, spoke out when the 2025 finalists were revealed: “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.”
JPMorganChase is also a returning Key Partner of the BBBAwards for the sixth year, continuing their support of this event that recognises 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.
Sponsors’ 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
Arts and Media Senior Leader
- Aston Brooks-Ashitey, Senior Brand Social Marketing Manager, LinkedIn
- Ete Davies, EMEA EVP, Dentsu Creative
- Jamie Wallace, Founder and Creative Director, Origin
Consumer and Luxury Rising Star
- Janet Davies, CEO, Ominira Naturals
- Jane Msumba, Pharmacist Health Coach, Inner Glow Clinic
- Nathaniel Wade, Co-Founder, Wakuda
Consumer and Luxury Senior Leader
- Belinda Brown, CFO, Sephora UK
- Alison Burton, Co-Founder, March Muses
- Jamie-Lee Abtar, Head of Marketing, Not In The Guidebook
Entrepreneur Rising Star
- Rukayat Alabi, CEO, RKY Careers
- Lucky Nwosu, Founder and CEO, Sercasa
- Nnaemeka Obodoekwe, CTO, Lenkie Technologies Ltd
Entrepreneur Senior Leader
- 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
Financial Services Rising Star
- Ayo Gabriel, Vice President, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
- Ahanna Anaba, Head of Sales and Partnership, Finverity
- Seun Toye-Kayode, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs
Financial Services Senior Leader
- Daouii Abouchere, Director Sustainable Investments EMEA, Wellington Management
- Gabriel Bolu, Senior Director, Data Commercialisation, Worldpay
- Shauna Roper, Chief of Staff, Global Procurement, HSBC
Professional Services Rising Star
- Mavis Amonoo-Acquah, Barrister, Harcourt Chambers
- Sarah Flambard, Lawyer, Macquarie Group
- Lulu Isdory, Technology Consultant, EY
Professional Services Senior Leader
- 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
STEM Rising Star
- 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
STEM Senior Leader
- 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
The final is taking place on Friday 17th October at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, and promises a night of celebration, recognition, inclusivity and inspiration.
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