The finalists in the Black British Business Awards 2026 revealed
Visionary, inspirational and dynamic are just some of the words judges used in describing their finalist picks for the Black British Business Awards 2026 [BBBAwards]. The industry-leading BBBAwards, now in. . .
Visionary, inspirational and dynamic are just some of the words judges used in describing their finalist picks for the Black British Business Awards 2026 [BBBAwards]. The industry-leading BBBAwards, now in its 13th year, sets the excellence benchmark for Black British Senior Leaders and Rising Stars in UK business, across seven key categories. This year, the Awards’ expansion in categories further captures the sheer wealth of Black talent contributing to British industry. This year’s categories are: STEM, Fashion, Beauty & Consumer, Arts & Media, Entrepreneurs, Financial Services, Professional Services and new category Retail & Hospitality. Highlighting this year’s Awards theme #SHINE, which celebrates the brilliance, visibility and impact of Black professionals and entrepreneurs across the UK, BBBAwards chair and executive founder Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE thanked the high profile businesses willing to amplify the BBBAwards’ reach – as sponsors or as part of the judging process: “At a time when many organisations face increasing complexity in how they champion, recognise and advance Black talent, platforms that visibly celebrate Black leadership and success are more important than ever. As the space for spotlighting Black talent becomes more contested, the mission of the Black British Business Awards is not only relevant – it is vital. ”“Recognition alone is not enough. The difference between momentum and retreat lies with allies who are willing to lend their credibility to those who deserve to shine. ”Award winners and runners-up will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane, London on October 9, presented by JPMorganChase, joined by senior figures in British business and key opinion leaders representing every sector of the British economy. Additionally, one overall Black British Business Person of the Year will take their place amongst previous winners who include Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson, S&P Global, Pamela Maynard, Microsoft, Aaron Lynch, Netflix and many more. Emma Chevreau, people, culture, and purpose director at JD Group, commented on the retailer’s decision to partner with theBlack British Business Awardsthis year for the first time. “We’re proud to partner with the Black British Business Awards because they shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, ambition and leadership that exists across UK business. Celebrating these individuals – and making sure more people can see themselves reflected in successful leaders – is so important for inspiring the next generation. “We believe that creating equitable opportunities and championing diverse talent helps build stronger businesses and a more inclusive future for everyone. That’s why we’re committed to fostering a culture where people feel they belong, are supported to grow, and have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Supporting the Black British Business Awards is a natural extension of that commitment, and we’re proud to celebrate the outstanding individuals who are helping shape the future of British business. ”The Black British Business Awards 2026 Finalists are:Arts and Media Rising StarFemi Bello, Creative Director, Femi WorldwideSheniece Charway, Artist Partnership Manager [EMEA], YouTube/GoogleBonita Samuels, Senior Associate Director – Inclusive Planning & Culture Lead, WPP MediaArts and Media Senior LeaderAkama Davies, General Manager, The Trade DeskNana Fifield, Director of Technology, Amazon Prime VideoAmie Parker-Williams, Director, Digital Commissioning & Production, ParamountFashion, Beauty & Consumer Rising StarSarah Harry-Isaacs, Freelance Senior Art Director, Estée Lauder CompaniesYasmin O’Neal, Senior Director for Global Brand and Impact, DECIEMKarimah Reid-Bailey, Senior Product Brand Manager, L’OréalFashion, Beauty & Consumer Senior LeaderOyin Akiniyi, Global Brand Director – Content, Campaigns, Partnerships, Chivas Regal (Pernod Ricard)Samori Gambrah, Global Convenience Director, DiageoAndrea Thompson: Journalist, Brand Consultant & Former Editor-in-Chief, Marie Claire UKEntrepreneur Rising StarAbdul Bangura, CEO, ALAC GroupJesse Owusu, CEO and Co-Founder, CORDDr. Elsa Zekeng, Founder & CEO, SökerDataEntrepreneur Senior LeaderRachel Allison, Founder & CEO, Axe + SawRobbie Lyle, Founder & CEO, GFN LimitedAntonia Okonma Shittu, Founder & CEO, A-List Lace HairFinancial Services Rising StarNana Agyemang, Proposition Delivery Manager, BarclaysCarlos Davies, EMEA Head of Secured Funding and Collateral Optimization Trading, Morgan StanleyDavid King, Associate Relationship Manager, Wellington Management InternationalRio Stedford, Investment Product Strategy Director, St James’s PlaceFinancial Services Senior LeaderHenry Odogwu, Senior Managing Director – Head of EMEA Institutional Sales, MFS Investment ManagementChristopher Ononye, Managing Director: Chief Auditor – Risk Management & Compliance, HR & Corporate Responsibility, JPMorganChaseMelissa Max-Macarthy, Managing Director, Head of Retail Strategy, Retail Banking, Formerly NatWestProfessional Services Rising StarMichael Obiri-Darko, Senior Associate, Clifford Chance LLPJack Van Cooten, Senior Manager – External Vendors & Data, Oliver WymanQuanisha Virginie, Digital Engagement & Content Executive, KantarProfessional Services Senior LeaderBelinda Djamson, AI ExpertLola Godwin, Operations and Commercial Director, KPMG LLPLaurie-Anne Power KC, Barrister, 25 Bedford RowRetail & Hospitality Rising StarAhmed Abdalla, Head ChefRickey Devonish, Head of Apprenticeships and Emerging Talent, JD GroupYasu Pola-Samuels, Pr. Partnerships & Energy Marketing Manager – UK & EMEA, Dr. MartensRetail & Hospitality Senior LeaderTolù Adẹ̀kọ́, Founder and Creative Director, Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co LtdDidier Agueh, Brand Artistic Director, PPHELeona De Graft, VP Global Ecommerce, Levi Strauss and Co. STEM Rising StarPromise Akwaowo, Automation and AI Practitioner, Royal Mail GroupFrancis Nwofor, Cloud & AI Platforms Specialist, MicrosoftMaciah Smith, Innovation and Strategic Technology Roadmapping Analyst, Johnson MattheySTEM Senior LeaderHenry Amadiegwu, PhD, Chief Information Officer, Zenith Bank UKNaomi Walkland, Chief Marketing Officer, MotorwayEustace Xavier, Finance Director, Technical Services, Mitie PLCBBBAwards 2026 is proud to welcome a growing list of significant sponsors for the 2026 Awards. This includes AlixPartners, Baker McKenzie, Barclays, Bloomberg, Diageo, The Financial Times, Goldman Sachs, JD Group, L’Oréal, Macquarie, Morgan Stanley, Ralph Lauren, Standard Chartered and Wellington Management. 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