The finalists of the 2024 Black British Business Awards have been announced ahead of the gala in October.
Returning for the eleventh year, the BBBAwards celebrate the outstanding achievements of Black professionals and entrepreneurs in the UK.
Winners from six industry categories will be revealed at the ceremony which will take place on Friday, 11 October 2024 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane.
Since their inception, the BBBAwards have promoted the representation of Black talent across all sectors, recognising both senior leaders and emerging stars who contribute significantly to the UK economy. This year the BBBAwards are celebrating 36 finalists, representing Amazon, Apple, Burberry, L’Oréal, American Express, Ralph Lauren, EY, KPMG and exceptional enterprises in industries ranging from publishing, finance and technology to beauty, food and beverages.
The theme of the 2024 BBBAwards is #NEXT. #NEXT marks a generational shift in the Black community and business, acknowledging rising stars that are now poised to become the next generation of industry leaders and honouring those who defied the odds and fought hard to pave the way.
Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE, Chair and Executive Founder of the BBBAwards said: ‘Congratulations to the finalists of the 2024 Black British Business Awards. Your success stories serve as a powerful reminder of the progress we are making and what is possible. As we find ourselves in a new political landscape, it is crucial that government and industry leaders do not overlook, undervalue or undermine the huge talent and potential from the Black community. The BBBAwards class of 2024 is a breathtaking celebration of aspiration, accomplishment, resilience and innovation across all segments of the UK economy.’
Wells Fargo is hosting the 2024 BBBAwards finalist reception, having been a major corporate supporter of the BBBAwards since 2019.
John Langley, Corporate & Investment Banking COO and Head of International, Wells Fargo said: “Wells Fargo is honoured to support the Black British Business Awards for the fifth year running, and we are thrilled to be hosting the finalist announcement this week at our London headquarters. These important awards celebrate exceptional Black professionals and entrepreneurs and spotlight the unwavering tenacity, drive, commitment and extraordinary talent of these individuals. I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the finalists, and wish them the best of luck at the awards later this year. We will be there to support you!”
J.P. Morgan returns for the fifth year as the Key Partner of the BBBAwards and, for the seventh consecutive year, The Telegraph will continue its role as national Media Partner.
Other significant sponsors include Alix Partners, Baker McKenzie, Barclays, Bloomberg, Deloitte Goldman Sachs, L’Oréal, Morgan Stanley, MSCI, Oliver Wyman, Financial Times, the Stepstone Group and Wellington Management.
The 2024 BBBAwards will honour exceptional Black business talent across six industry categories, celebrating both rising stars and senior leaders. The 2024 BBBAwards finalists are as follows:
Arts and Media Rising Stars
Jimi Adesanya, Co-Founder and Executive Producer, JM Films & Unbound Studios
Monique Reynolds-Blanche, PR Specialist, UK & EMEA Publicity, Netflix
Daniel Carter, Enterprise Customer Experience Marketing Lead, EMEA, Amazon Web Services
Arts and Media Senior Leaders
Charlene Prempeh, Founder, A Vibe Called Tech and Contributing Editor, Financial Times HTSI
Dr Charisse Oyediwura, Chief Executive, Black Lives in Music
Laura Henry-Allain MBE, Storyteller, Producer, Educationalist and Consultant, Allain Creatives
Consumer and Luxury Rising Stars
Leon Francis, Senior Manager, Apple
Naomi Mafeni, Senior Brand Manager, CeraVe skincare, L’Oréal
Tia Rochester, Senior Buying Manager EMEA, Ralph Lauren Collection
Consumer and Luxury Senior Leaders
Geoffrey Williams, VP Colleague Attraction & Inclusion, Burberry
Rene Moshi Macdonald, Founder and Creative Director, Lisou Ltd
Ryan Panchoo, Founder and CEO, Borough22
Entrepreneur Rising Stars
Christina Taylor, Founder, Aim Sky High Talent
Mike Williams, Co-Founder, Flake Bake Ltd
Tendai Moyo, CEO, Ruka Hair
Entrepreneur Senior Leaders
Sama Trinder, CEO and Founder, Bingham Riverhouse and bhuti
Mark Dalgety, CEO, Caricom Products Ltd T/Z Dalgety Teas
Ndubuisi Uchea, Co-Founder & CEO, Word on the Curb
Financial Services Rising Stars
Jeffrey Krampah-Williams, National Key Account Manager, Santander
Khalia Ismain, Black Entrepreneurs Programme Manager, Lloyds Bank
Yinka Baruwa, Credit Portfolio Manager, Wells Fargo
Financial Services Senior Leaders
Ize Idemudia, Managing Director, COO, Morgan Stanley
Oliver Gayle, Managing Director, Barclays
Rob Anarfi, Group Chief Risk Officer, Beazley plc
Professional Services Rising Stars
Helen Clark, Global Mobility Tax Technology Manager, KPMG
Tendai Sibanda, Director, AlixPartners
Yeshua Carter, Senior Consultant, Founder of EY Outreach, EY
Professional Services Senior Leaders
Dwayne Gibson-White, Partner, EY
Kyle Mason, Head of External Monitoring, Shell
Liza Jordan, Managing Director, Accenture
STEM Rising Stars
Hewan Wole, Global Marketing Director, ViiV Healthcare, GSK
Maureen Biney, Software Engineer, American Express
Tolu Falade, Production Team Leader, BP
STEM Senior Leaders
Haddy Davies, Global Business Partner, Catalyst Technologies, Johnson Matthey
Natznet Tesfay, Vice President, S&P Global
Pamela Maynard, CEO, Avanade