The Powerlist 2025 ranked Dean Forbes, CEO of software company Forterro, as the most influential black person in Britain.
Having experienced homelessness twice as a teenager, the 45-year-old takes over the top seat from former Vogue Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful.
The Powerlist honours the most significant African, African Caribbean, and African American individuals in the UK.
Forbes said: “It is an incredible honour to be named number one on the Powerlist. My journey, from growing up in south-east London to leading global businesses, has shown me the power of resilience, the importance of community, and seizing every opportunity.
“I hope my story can inspire others from similar backgrounds to believe in their potential and work hard to achieve their dreams.”
Adejoke Bakare, the first black British woman chef to receive a Michelin star, and Emma Grede, the founding partner in Kim Kardashian’s Skims clothing line, are also in the top 10.
Michael Eboda, chief executive of Powerful Media, the publisher of the Powerlist, said: “What really stood out, beyond Dean’s impeccable track record in business, is how he’s used his skills to truly give back, particularly by supporting community charities through his Forbes Family Group Foundation.
“The judges felt that, more than anyone, Dean had gone above and beyond in this area. He’s unique and truly deserves to be our number one.”
But who is Forbes? Here’s his story.
Like with many success stories, his started with challenges.
Forbes grew up in a single-parent family on an estate in Lewisham. His mother was suffering from muscular dystrophy, so he started taking care of his younger brothers from the age of 11.
Forbes signed a contract with Crystal Palace at a young age with the goal of becoming a professional football player, but that ended at the age of 17 when he suffered injuries.
He told Business Insider that after being rejected, he experienced homelessness until landing a Motorola call centre job.
After that, Forbes became the CEO of two software companies, KDS and CoreHR. He took equity stakes each time and made millions more.
Additionally, he has an equity stake in Forterro, a company that generates over €300 million (£250 million) in revenue annually and €130 million in profits, according to him.
Despite his wealth, he said he never wanted “to lose the value of a pound”.
Breaking the cycle of poverty and disadvantage
Forbes founded the Forbes Family Group, a charitable organisation assisting those in underprivileged areas, with his wife Danielle.
According to Forbes, the only successful black individuals he saw as a child were either in entertainment, sports, or “doing unsavoury things” in criminal gangs.
He said his goal was to make corporate achievement more “relatable”, using networking and mentorship initiatives.
