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The significant annual ranking spotlights the most powerful people of African, African Caribbean and African American heritage in Britain across a range of sectors including business, politics, technology and science.
As Chief executive of Forterro, a European provider of software solutions to more than 11,000 small and midsized industrial companies, Dean has made his name transforming technology companies and taking them to billion Euro exit, enriching and inspiring for employees and investors. He is among a very small number of CEOs in Europe to have delivered high value-growth consistently, across multiple transactions in his career. Most recently, Forterro changed hands in March 2022 for €1bn, joining Europe’s growing numbers of ‘Tech Unicorns,’ making Dean one of only a handful of Black leaders globally to run a billion Euro company.
As our Chairman, this award goes towards recognising Dean’s community driven philanthropic work. Forbes Family Group (FFG) provides community investment, networking and professional and social development support to young people, professionals and entrepreneurs from under-represented backgrounds. FFG has helped more than 1,170 young people directly move from difficult situations into education or into promising careers and connected and inspired 1000s more.
“To be recognised so highly in this year’s Powerlist, amongst such esteemed talent is an incredible honour for me,” said Forbes. “People from all underrepresented and marginalised communities should be given the opportunities and platforms elevate and celebrate their successes and be examples and guides to those coming behind them.” He continued: “For those of us who’ve found our way, let’s now be there to offer coaching, support and opportunity for those starting out.”
Dean is also a partner at Corten Capital advising the firm on European technology acquisitions and is a member of their deal review committee. He has agreed with Corten Capital that it will increase its support for founders and entrepreneurs from under-represented communities. In addition, Forbes is a board trustee of the London-based African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust. Through FFG, Dean has created networking and mentoring initiatives and most recently is developing a Business ‘infotainment’ channel ‘Captable’. Captable will provide an outlet for aspiring content creators and a platform for business industry leaders from a host of sectors and backgrounds to share their knowledge and insights with our unique FFG community.
Forbes Family Group CEO, Davina Williamson commented, “Through FFG, Dean has affirmed his commitment to providing real opportunities for development and growth for those who face societal challenges that can hamper their paths to success. Directly addressing and engaging our young cohorts through our community and platforms, has shown just how important this accolade is to the many from similar backgrounds trying to reach their own professional goals. Receiving this prestigious award as a Tech CEO, and seeing the impact of his career story on the many young professionals whom we connect with, has spurred Dean and all of us here at FFG to create even more platforms and initiatives to inspire the next generation of Powerlist honourees”
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Partner – St James’s Place Wealth Manager
Charlie provides bespoke wealth management solutions aiming to achieve his clients’ individual goals. Clients benefit from his 20 years’ experience in the city assisting professionals & business owners through their careers and beyond. Building a relationship of trust is the foundation of his approach. His relationship with each client starts with listening, establishing values to be adhered to and from which he can build a bespoke strategy.
Outside of work, Charlie keeps fit going to the gym , playing golf and competing in Triathlon events. He relaxes by watching any live sport but will never miss an English International Rugby match.
Alexandre is a Principal in the Corten Capital investment team. Prior to joining Corten, Alexandre was a Vice President in the Technology, Financial and Business Services vertical at Bain Capital, one of the world’s largest private equity firms. During his time at Bain Capital, Alexandre focused on buyout investments across Europe, spanning multiple sectors including B2B software, business services, industrials and consumer retail. He also played a key role supporting several portfolio companies across growth, turnaround and M&A strategies as well as leading on various financing and capital markets transactions. Prior to this, Alexandre was a consultant with The Boston Consulting Group in London where he worked on a number of private equity due diligence projects as well transformation projects for companies in TMT and retail. Before that, he worked as a credit hybrids trader within J.P. Morgan’s Global Markets division.
David McQueen is passionate about developing leaders. A family man first, he is the husband of one, father of two and friend of many. He has founded and cofounded a number of businesses including Q Squared, Black Founders Hub and Evermoor and sits as a Non Exec on the advisory board of many companies offering support on leadership and financial competence.
In his work as an Executive Coach, Facilitator, Board Advisor and International Speaker, he has worked with corporates and non profit organisations worldwide to develop their senior leaders and managers. His clients include Facebook, Google, Shopify, Lloyds, HSBC, Mercedes Benz, Sky, BMW, Uber, Fidelity Investments, EY Foundation and Barnardo’s.
David is also an Angel Investor, Mentor, Host of the BRAVE Leader podcast, a three times TEDx speaker and is currently writing his first book on leadership and never works on a Saturday!
Timothy Armoo was the founder of Fanbytes, a company he started in university at 21 helping brands like Nike, Samsung, and Deliveroo engage with Gen Z through influencers. In 5 years, Timo grew the company to an award-winning team of 70 people leading campaigns like the Government’s messaging on covid in 2020. In May 2022, Timo Fanbytes was acquired by global digital agency Brainlabs in an 8-figure acquisition. His expertise in brand building and social media has seen him win many accolades including being Forbes 30u30 cover star, the social media person of the year by The Drum and most influential people in media by Evening Standard.
