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 the Black British Business Awards this year for the first time.
“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 Star
- Femi Bello, Creative Director, Femi Worldwide
- Sheniece Charway, Artist Partnership Manager [EMEA], YouTube/Google
- Bonita Samuels, Senior Associate Director – Inclusive Planning & Culture Lead, WPP Media
Arts and Media Senior Leader
- Akama Davies, General Manager, The Trade Desk
- Nana Fifield, Director of Technology, Amazon Prime Video
- Amie Parker-Williams, Director, Digital Commissioning & Production, Paramount
Fashion, Beauty & Consumer Rising Star
- Sarah Harry-Isaacs, Freelance Senior Art Director, Estée Lauder Companies
- Yasmin O’Neal, Senior Director for Global Brand and Impact, DECIEM
- Karimah Reid-Bailey, Senior Product Brand Manager, L’Oréal
Fashion, Beauty & Consumer Senior Leader
- Oyin Akiniyi, Global Brand Director – Content, Campaigns, Partnerships, Chivas Regal (Pernod Ricard)
- Samori Gambrah, Global Convenience Director, Diageo
- Andrea Thompson: Journalist, Brand Consultant & Former Editor-in-Chief, Marie Claire UK
Entrepreneur Rising Star
- Abdul Bangura, CEO, ALAC Group
- Jesse Owusu, CEO and Co-Founder, CORD
- Dr. Elsa Zekeng, Founder & CEO, SökerData
Entrepreneur Senior Leader
- Rachel Allison, Founder & CEO, Axe + Saw
- Robbie Lyle, Founder & CEO, GFN Limited
- Antonia Okonma Shittu, Founder & CEO, A-List Lace Hair
Financial Services Rising Star
- Nana Agyemang, Proposition Delivery Manager, Barclays
- Carlos Davies, EMEA Head of Secured Funding and Collateral Optimization Trading, Morgan Stanley
- David King, Associate Relationship Manager, Wellington Management International
- Rio Stedford, Investment Product Strategy Director, St James’s Place
Financial Services Senior Leader
- Henry Odogwu, Senior Managing Director – Head of EMEA Institutional Sales, MFS Investment Management
- Christopher Ononye, Managing Director: Chief Auditor – Risk Management & Compliance, HR & Corporate Responsibility, JPMorganChase
- Melissa Max-Macarthy, Managing Director, Head of Retail Strategy, Retail Banking, Formerly NatWest
Professional Services Rising Star
- Michael Obiri-Darko, Senior Associate, Clifford Chance LLP
- Jack Van Cooten, Senior Manager – External Vendors & Data, Oliver Wyman
- Quanisha Virginie, Digital Engagement & Content Executive, Kantar
Professional Services Senior Leader
- Belinda Djamson, AI Expert
- Lola Godwin, Operations and Commercial Director, KPMG LLP
- Laurie-Anne Power KC, Barrister, 25 Bedford Row
Retail & Hospitality Rising Star
- Ahmed Abdalla, Head Chef
- Rickey Devonish, Head of Apprenticeships and Emerging Talent, JD Group
- Yasu Pola-Samuels, Pr. Partnerships & Energy Marketing Manager – UK & EMEA, Dr. Martens
Retail & Hospitality Senior Leader
- Tolù Adẹ̀kọ́, Founder and Creative Director, Adẹ̀kọ́ & Co Ltd
- Didier Agueh, Brand Artistic Director, PPHE
- Leona De Graft, VP Global Ecommerce, Levi Strauss and Co.
STEM Rising Star
- Promise Akwaowo, Automation and AI Practitioner, Royal Mail Group
- Francis Nwofor, Cloud & AI Platforms Specialist, Microsoft
- Maciah Smith, Innovation and Strategic Technology Roadmapping Analyst, Johnson Matthey
STEM Senior Leader
- Henry Amadiegwu, PhD, Chief Information Officer, Zenith Bank UK
- Naomi Walkland, Chief Marketing Officer, Motorway
- Eustace Xavier, Finance Director, Technical Services, Mitie PLC
BBBAwards 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.
