Early Life and Challenges
Dean Forbes was born in Lewisham, London, and grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Catford. Raised by a single mother suffering from muscular dystrophy, Forbes took on caregiving responsibilities for his younger siblings at a young age. Despite his challenges, he remained ambitious and determined to succeed.
In his teenage years, Forbes aspired to become a professional footballer and trained with Crystal Palace’s academy. Unfortunately, an injury ended his football dreams, leaving him jobless and financially struggling. He faced homelessness twice, but instead of giving up, he channeled his energy into building a corporate career.
Quick Facts About Dean Forbes
- Full Name: Dean Anthony Edward Forbes
- Date of Birth: October 18, 1978
- Age: 46 years old (as of 2025)
- Nationality: British
- Ethnicity: Black British (Afro-Caribbean descent)
- Profession: Business Executive, Investor, Philanthropist
- Current Role: CEO of Forterro
- Notable Achievements: Named the most influential Black person in the UK (2025), featured multiple times on the Powerlist
Breaking into the Corporate World
Dean Forbes started his career at Motorola in a call center, proving his sales and leadership abilities. His drive quickly led him to Isis Telecommunications, where he gained valuable experience in business strategy and corporate growth.
His big breakthrough came when he joined Primavera Systems in 2000 as Vice President. He played a crucial role in expanding the company’s international operations. His contributions were instrumental in Primavera’s success, leading to its acquisition by Oracle in 2009.
At Oracle, Forbes continued to thrive, managing global sales and further honing his leadership skills.
Becoming a Transformational CEO
Dean Forbes earned a reputation as a leader who could turn struggling companies into successful enterprises. He held key leadership roles in several companies, consistently driving innovation and growth.
KDS: Pioneering Travel Technology
In 2010, Forbes joined KDS, a travel and expense management software company. By 2011, he was appointed CEO. Under his leadership, KDS became a leading travel management platform and was ultimately acquired by American Express Global Business Travel in 2016.
CoreHR: Revolutionizing HR Technology
After KDS, Forbes became CEO of CoreHR, a human resources software firm. He led the company to impressive growth, significantly increasing its market presence before selling it to The Access Group in 2020.
Forterro: Leading a Billion-Euro Company
In 2021, Forbes took over as CEO of Forterro, a European software firm specializing in ERP solutions. His leadership helped the company expand across multiple markets, solidifying its position as a dominant player in the software industry.
Philanthropy and Social Impact
Despite his corporate success, Dean Forbes has always prioritized giving back to the community. He founded the Forbes Family Group (FFG), an initiative focused on supporting minority-owned businesses and social mobility programs.
One of the most significant contributions of FFG was raising £400,000 in a single night for the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust. His commitment to philanthropy has made a substantial impact on underprivileged communities.
Recognition and Achievements
Dean Forbes’s contributions to the business world have not gone unnoticed. He has been featured multiple times on the Powerlist, an annual ranking of the most influential Black Britons. In 2025, he was named the most influential Black person in the UK.
Forbes has also been recognized for his mentorship programs, where he actively supports young professionals in achieving their career goals. His leadership philosophy revolves around resilience, innovation, and diversity in the workplace.
Leadership Style and Business Philosophy
Dean Forbes is known for his hands-on leadership approach. He believes in fostering innovation, empowering employees, and making data-driven decisions. His ability to turn struggling businesses into profitable enterprises sets him apart from many other executives.
He also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in the corporate world, ensuring that underrepresented groups have access to leadership opportunities.
Lessons from Dean Forbes’s Journey
1. Resilience is Key
Forbes overcame financial struggles, homelessness, and career setbacks to become a top executive. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
2. Adaptability Leads to Success
From an aspiring footballer to a top business leader, Forbes continuously adapted to changing circumstances and made the best out of every opportunity.
3. Giving Back is Essential
Despite his business achievements, Forbes remains committed to philanthropy and mentorship, proving that true success is about making a positive impact on others.
Final Thoughts
Dean Forbes is a remarkable leader who has transformed multiple businesses while inspiring countless individuals. His journey from adversity to corporate success showcases the importance of resilience, innovation, and social responsibility.
His leadership continues to shape the tech industry, making him one of the most influential executives of our time.