The UK’s most influential Black people are named in The Powerlist 2025. The annual list recognises the UK’s most powerful people of African, African Caribbean, and African American heritage.
Top of the list is Dean Forbes, British business executive and CEO of Forterro, a global software solutions company. Forbes heads the prestigious list, which celebrates Black excellence across various industries, replacing former British Vogue Editor-In-Chief Edward Enninful who was number one last year.
He is joined in the Top 10 by influential figures such as Bernard Mensah, President of International at Bank of America and Chief Executive Officer of Merrill Lynch International (MLI) and Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer at the Bank of England.
Newcomers on the Powerlist 2025, in partnership with J.P. Morgan, include Emma Grede, founding partner of Kim Kardashian’s $4 billion Skims empire; Adejoké Bakare, the UK’s first Black female Michelin-starred chef; Andrew ‘Rapman’ Onwubolu, Creator of Netflix’s recent global smash hit show Supercell; and Damson Idris, star of hit crime drama Snowfall.
This year’s Powerlistees will be honoured at the Powerlist Celebration of Black Excellence Awards tonight, hosted by businessman and television personality Tim Campbell, MBE at The Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
The full Powerlist 2025 Top 10 is as follows:
1. Dean Forbes – CEO, Forterro, Partner Corten Capital, Chair Forbes Family Group
2. Bernard Mensah – President of International, Bank of America; Chief Executive Officer, MLI
3. Afua Kyei – Chief Financial Officer, 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
Dean Forbes said, “To be named number one on the Powerlist is an incredible honour. My journey, from growing up in southeast London to leading global businesses, has shown me the power of resilience, the importance of community, and seizing every opportunity. I hope my story can inspire others from similar backgrounds to believe in their potential and work hard to achieve their dreams.”
Forbes explained; “My journey was shaped by those who believed in me and opened doors, and now I’m determined to pay it forward. I want to provide opportunities for young people who, like me, need that extra support to achieve their potential. This mission is deeply personal to me.”
The Powerlist, launched in 2005, was created to showcase Black role models to inspire young people. Today, it is widely regarded as the leading authority on issues of Black influence in the UK. In partnership with J.P. Morgan, the Powerlist honours incredible men and women across a diverse range of industries, including business, science, technology, and the arts.
Michael Eboda, CEO of Powerful Media, publisher of the Powerlist, said; “What really stood out, beyond Dean’s impeccable track record in business, is how he’s used his skills to truly give back, particularly by supporting community charities through his Forbes Family Group Foundation. The judges felt that, more than anyone, Dean had gone above and beyond in this area. He’s unique and truly deserves to be our Number One. It’s an honour to celebrate Dean and all of our incredible Powerlistees this year.”
Cecil Peters, EMEA Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and EMEA Head of Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorganChase said; “As a long-time partner of the Powerlist, it is a privilege to witness first-hand the incredible Black talent that exists in the UK, and with great pride that we help shine a spotlight on this talent. This year’s recognition of Dean Forbes as an outstanding entrepreneur, philanthropist, and business leader is timely and well-deserved.
His achievements exemplify the excellence, inspiration, positive influence, and opportunity we wish to see for the next generation of leaders.
“At JPMorganChase, we are committed to supporting initiatives that elevate diverse talent and break barriers across industries. It’s a demonstration of our commitment to the partnership and their hard work that the Powerlist in its 19 th year, continues to be the premier voice for recognising black excellence in the UK.”
Judging criteria for the Powerlist is based on its definition of influence: “The ability to positively alter events and change lives as demonstrated over a reasonable period of time.” The previous year’s winner is automatically entered into the Hall of Fame.
