Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE, chair and executive founder of the Black British Business Awards, said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the winners of the 2024 Black British Business Awards. In a time when the challenges we face in the UK and overseas are all too apparent, your success is a powerful reminder of the resilience, brilliance, and leadership within our community.
“The presence of strong women at the helm of British businesses is not only inspiring but essential. I am honoured to see the awards recognise Pamela Maynard as Business Person of the Year playing a global leadership role at the forefront of AI innovation at one of the most iconic and systemically important technology companies.
“Our BBBAwards winners are all paving the way for the next generation, proving that excellence knows no boundaries, and that, together, we can continue to reshape the future of British business.”
Mr Peters said: “As a long-time partner of the Black British Business Awards, we are deeply honoured to witness the incredible talent being spotlighted, particularly this year’s recognition of Pamela as a remarkable female leader in STEM.
“Her achievements represent the innovation, resilience, and excellence that define black British business leadership today.”
The awards also celebrated two special honorary awards, The Ally of the Year Award designed to recognise the work of senior Allies to the Black community who continue to strive for diversity and equality in business, and The Impact Award which is designed to honour an individual of African or Caribbean heritage who has made significant impact in elevating the visibility and reputation of Black professionals in the UK.
The 2024 Ally of the Year Award went to Patrick Thomson, CEO Europe, Middle East & Africa at JPMorgan Asset Management. The 2024 Impact Award went to Rob Anarfi, Chief Risk Officer at Beazley.
The awards gala recognised the achievements of Rising Stars and Senior Leaders across six industry sectors: Arts and Media, Consumer and Luxury, Entrepreneur, Financial Services, Professional Services, and STEM.
The Telegraph is the National Media Partner for the Black British Business Awards.
The winners of the 2024 Black British Business Awards are as follows:
Black British Business Person of the Year
Pamela Maynard, Chief AI Transformation Officer, Microsoft Customer and Partner Solutions
Arts and Media Rising Star
Jimi Adesanya, Co-Founder and Executive Producer, JM Films & Unbound Studios
Arts and Media Senior Leader
Laura Henry-Allain MBE, Storyteller, Producer, Educationalist and Consultant, Allain Creatives
Consumer and Luxury Rising Star
Leon Francis, Senior Manager, Apple
Consumer and Luxury Senior Leader
Geoffrey Williams, VP Colleague Attraction & Inclusion, Burberry
Entrepreneur Rising Star
Mike Williams, Co-Founder, Flake Bake Ltd
Entrepreneur Senior Leader
Mark Dalgety, CEO, Caricom Products Ltd T/Z Dalgety Teas
Financial Services Rising Star
Khalia Ismain, Black Entrepreneurs Programme Manager, Lloyds Bank
Financial Services Senior Leader
Ize Idemudia, Managing Director, COO, Morgan Stanley
Professional Services Rising Star
Yeshua Carter, Senior Consultant, Founder of EY Outreach, EY
Professional Services Senior Leader
Liza Jordan, Managing Director, Accenture
STEM Rising Star
Tolu Falade, Production Team Leader, BP
STEM Senior Leader
Haddy Davies, Global Business Partner, Catalyst Technologies, Johnson Matthey
Ally of the Year
Patrick Thomson, CEO Europe, Middle East & Africa at JPMorgan Asset Management
Impact Award
Rob Anarfi, Chief Risk Officer at Beazley
