Dean Forbes, a tech millionaire and chief executive of software solutions firm Forterro, was recently named the UK’s most influential Black person by The Powerlist 2025. The 46-year-old was placed ahead of Bernard Mensah, president of international at the Bank of America, and Afua Kyei, the chief financial officer at the Bank of England.
Launched in 2005, The Powerlist recognizes the UK’s most powerful people of African, African Caribbean, and African-American heritage. The aim is to unveil these Black personalities to inspire young people. The Powerlist has previously been topped by Edward Enninful, former editor-in-chief of British Vogue; Sir Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula One; and former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman.
“To be named number one on the Powerlist is an incredible honor,” Forbes said. “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.
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“I hope my story can inspire others from similar backgrounds to believe in their potential and work hard to achieve their dreams,” he noted, adding, “My journey was shaped by those who believed in me and opened doors, and now I’m determined to pay it forward.
“I want to provide opportunities for young people who, like me, need that extra support to achieve their potential. This mission is deeply personal to me.”
Forbes grew up in a single-parent family on a housing estate in Lewisham. According to him, his disabled mom taught him and his two brothers to “raise our expectations,” “never to be victims,” and not dwell on misfortunes.
Twice homeless, he noted that his family always saw their homelessness as a temporary challenge to overcome. He noted that his humble beginnings made him more determined to break the cycle of poverty in his family.
He recalled getting into Crystal Palace Academy but things didn’t go as he planned. He even came to have £88,000 (over $100,000) in debt after trying to “keep up appearances” with friends like then-footballer Rio Ferdinand who were being “paid well.” To clear his debt, he picked up a job in a Motorola call center, and he soon worked his way up.
He later moved to Primavera, a software firm he helped build up. Due to his equity stake, he made his first millions after it was sold to Oracle, according to the BBC. From there, he was made chief executive of two software firms, KDS and CoreHR. He took equity stakes there and continued to make millions.
He then joined Forterro and got an equity stake in the firm, adding that the firm makes more than $300 million in revenue per year and earnings of $140 million, the BBC noted.
Having made wealth, Forbes decided to give back, leading to the founding of the Forbes Family Group, a philanthropic organization for people in underserved communities.
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.”
The full Powerlist 2025 top 10 is:
1. Dean Forbes – Chief executive officer, Forterro, Partner Corten Capital, Chair Forbes Family Group
2. Bernard Mensah – President of international, Bank of America; Chief executive officer, MLI
3. Afua Kyei – Chief financial officer, Bank of England
4. Emma Grede – Chief executive officer and Co-Founder, Good American; Founding Partner, Skims
5. Joshua Siaw, MBE – Partner, White & Case
6. Tunde Olanrewaju – Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company
7. Alexander and Oliver Kent-Braham – Founders, Marshmallow
8. Adejoke Bakaré – Chef-owner, Chishuru, Michelin-starred restaurant
