PAMELA MAYNARD, Chief AI Transformation Officer at Microsoft, has been named Black British Business Person of the Year at the 2024 Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards).

The ceremony, held at the InterContinental London Park Lane, celebrated Black professionals and entrepreneurs across the UK, recognizing achievements in overcoming barriers and advancing diversity.

Maynard, who previously led Avanade, praised the event’s energy and the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.

“I think what is really important now is that we continue to take the energy from this room forward” she said.

“There are many people in this room who have talked about the shoulders that we stand on, and I too believe that I stand on the shoulders of trailblazers that have come before me. I really look forward to working with so many, or seeing how so many of the people in this room progress as the trailblazers of the future, because boy is this incredibly inspiring.”

The BBBAwards, now in its 11th year, also honoured Patrick Thomson and Rob Anarfi with Ally of the Year and Impact Awards, respectively.

Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, BBBAwards founder, said: “Our BBBAwards winners are all paving the way for the next generation, proving that excellence knows no boundaries, and that, together, we can continue to reshape the future of British business.”