This year’s finalists hail from leading organisations including Goldman Sachs, Sephora, JPMorganChase, LinkedIn, Penguin Random House and many more
THIRTY-SIX business leaders, innovators, creatives and trailblazers are named 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 October 17 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 MBE emphasised their impact: “I am proud to celebrate this year’s BBBAwards finalists – world class 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
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 Guidebooks
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
For more information about the BBBAwards, visit https://www.thebbbawards.com/
