Dean Forbes

Dean Forbes is the CEO of Forterro, an influential technology executive, philanthropist and one of Britain’s most prominent business leaders. Having progressed from working in a contact centre to leading international technology companies worth billions, Dean has built an extraordinary career around transformation, growth and people-centred leadership. Named the UK’s most influential Black person on the 2025 Powerlist, he is hired as an inspirational leadership speaker to share lessons on resilience, ambition, inclusive leadership and creating opportunities for others.

Dean initially pursued ambitions of becoming a professional footballer with Crystal Palace before his sporting career was cut short. Facing financial difficulties and needing to establish a new direction, he began working in a contact centre, starting a remarkable journey through the technology industry. Dean progressed into sales and leadership before joining Primavera Systems, where he became Vice President and played an important role in the company’s international expansion. Following Primavera’s acquisition by Oracle, he gained responsibility for worldwide sales and further developed his experience as a global executive. Dean later became CEO of KDS, expanding the technology business internationally before leading its acquisition by American Express Global Business Travel.

Continuing his executive career, Dean became President of The Access Group’s People Division following its acquisition of CoreHR before being appointed CEO of Forterro in 2021. Under his leadership, Forterro has developed into a major European provider of ERP software solutions, reaching a reported valuation of approximately €4 billion. Alongside his corporate achievements, Dean founded the Forbes Family Group to support community initiatives and empower minority owned businesses. His philanthropic work has included raising £400,000 for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust. After appearing on the Powerlist for four consecutive years, Dean was named the UK’s most influential Black person in 2025, recognising both his business achievements and wider social impact.

Dean is hired as an inspirational leadership speaker because his career demonstrates how resilience, opportunity and effective leadership can transform both businesses and lives. Drawing on his progression from an uncertain start to the highest levels of international technology leadership, he speaks compellingly about overcoming setbacks, building high performing teams, creating inclusive cultures and leading transformational growth. Combining significant commercial success with a commitment to giving back, Dean challenges leaders to consider not only what they can achieve, but how they can use their influence to create opportunities for others.