The 2025 Black British Business Awards revealed 36 trailblazing Black entrepreneurs and leaders shaping the UK’s economic and cultural future.
Among this year’s honourees are Netflix executive Anne Mensah and MOBO founder Kanya King, alongside finalists from major global organisations, such as JPMorganChase, Goldman Sachs, LinkedIn, Penguin Random House and Kantar. The awards highlight how Black professionals are driving growth, creativity and leadership across Britain’s business landscape.
Now in its 12th year, the BBBAwards have become a defining celebration of Black excellence in British business, recognising more than 400 professionals and entrepreneurs since their inception. This year’s ceremony, held at the InterContinental Park Lane, brought together senior figures from across UK industry, alongside opinion leaders and influencers.
IMPACT AWARD
The IMPACT Award, which celebrates a Black business leader whose work has left an indelible mark on their industry, was presented to Anne Mensah, Vice President of UK Content at Netflix. Mensah, who joined Netflix in 2019 after serving as Director of Drama at Sky Studios, has overseen an investment of more than US$6bn in the UK’s creative economy since 2020. Her slate includes acclaimed productions such as One Day, Baby Reindeer, Supacell, The Gentlemen, Black Doves and Adolescence.
“It is a massive honour to be recognised with this award,” said Mensah. “I believe that there is a power in authenticity – in the stories we tell, the people we champion, and the way we show up in business and in life. When we try to lead with honesty and stay true to who we are. We create space for others to do the same and we’re able to put work into the world that truly resonates with people everywhere.”
ICON AWARD
A new category introduced this year, the ICON Award, celebrates a trailblazing Black British leader whose lifelong achievements have shaped industry and inspired generations. Its first-ever recipient is Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Group.
Since launching the Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards in 1996, King has transformed a bold vision into a global platform spotlighting artists from Soul II Soul and Craig David to Stormzy and Little Simz. Her influence extends beyond music through Mobolise, the social enterprise she founded in 2020 to boost economic participation and opportunity.
BLACK BRITISH BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
The top honour of Black British Business Person of the Year 2025 went to Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson, Managing Director and EMEA Head of Tax Solutions at S&P Global Market Intelligence. Kunihira-Davidson is a recognised leader in financial compliance and governance, advising major institutions on complex international regulations.
Beyond her corporate achievements, she has become a driving force for inclusion. She co-authors S&P’s global allyship programme and sponsors its BOLD network for Black professionals.
“I am so honoured to be named Black British Business Person of the Year,” said Kunihira-Davidson. “It’s amazing to be a part of a rich history of Black British business leaders who’ve all achieved such brilliant career heights and elevated others along the way. It’s more important than ever to celebrate the wins, uplift each other and ensure everyone in business can achieve their dreams.”
CHAMPIONING ALLYSHIP & INCLUSION
The Ally of the Year Award recognised Nick Studer, CEO of Oliver Wyman, for his leadership in creating pathways for Black colleagues to thrive and his advocacy for race equity both within the firm and across the wider industry.
Dr Sophie Chandauka MBE, BBBAwards Chair and Executive Founder, reflected on this year’s theme, #Elevate, urging unity amid rising polarisation. “At a time when inclusion feels increasingly polarised, the BBBAwards theme of #Elevate reminds us that real progress for all of us comes from rising above the noise and focusing on investing in talent, innovation and the future of British business, together,” shared Chandauka. “The achievements of this year’s winners show that nurturing brilliance and protecting hard-won gains isn’t just fair, it fuels growth, competitiveness, and shared prosperity.”
CELEBRATING PARTNERSHIP & PROGRESS
Returning for a sixth consecutive year as Key Partner, JPMorganChase reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Black British talent.
“We couldn’t be prouder to be supporting such a wealth of Black British talent. Meeting this year’s finalists and category winners and understanding their career journeys and achievements really underlines the exceptional skills, innovation and excellence available to British businesses to tap into,” stated Keisha Bell, Head of the Office of Black Affairs at JPMorganChase. “Belinda’s career progression and achievements underlines what is possible, and I’d also like to congratulate Financial Services Rising Star Ayo Gabriel, Vice President, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, who is recognised in this year’s BBBAwards.”
The BBBAwards also continue to be supported by other major partners. They include AlixPartners, Audeliss Executive Search, Baker McKenzie, Barclays, Bloomberg, The Financial Times, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, L’Oréal, Macquarie Group, Morgan Stanley, S&P Global, Ralph Lauren, Wellington Management and Worldpay.
2025’S BBBAWARD WINNERS
This year’s full list of winners by category include:
Black British Business Person of the Year
- Yvonne Kunihira-Davidson, Managing Director, EMEA Head of Tax Solutions, S&P Global Market Intelligence
IMPACT Award
- Anne Mensah, Vice President of UK Content at Netflix
ICON Award
- Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of the MOBO Group
Ally of the Year
- Nick Studer, CEO of Oliver Wyman
Arts and Media
- Rising Star: Joelle Owusu-Sekyere, Editorial Director, Penguin Random House
- Senior Leader: Ete Davies, Former EMEA EVP, Dentsu Creative
Consumer and Luxury
- Senior Leader: Alison Burton, Co-Founder, March Muses
- Rising Star: Janet Davies, CEO, Ominira Naturals
Entrepreneurship
- Rising Star: Nnaemeka Obodoekwe, CTO, Lenkie Technologies Ltd
- Senior Leader: Rose Hulse, Founder and CEO, ScreenHits TV
Financial Services
- Rising Star: Ayo Gabriel, Vice President, J.P. Morgan
- Senior Leader: Shauna Roper, Chief of Staff, Global Procurement, HSBC
Professional Services
- Rising Star: Mavis Amonoo-Acquah, Barrister, Harcourt Chambers
- Senior Leader: Landé Belo, Group Legal Director, Employment Counsel, Kantar
STEM
- Rising Star: Jennifer Dominic, Associate Director of Marketing, MSD UK
- Senior Leader: Serufusa Sekidde, Chief of Staff to the CEO, ViiV Healthcare – GSK
Check out the full list of this year’s finalists here.
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