Black British Business Awards 2024 winners revealed

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