Pamela Maynard, Microsoft’s chief AI transformation officer, has been named the 2024 Black British Business Person of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes her remarkable achievements in the tech industry and her leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion.
Microsoft Executive Pamela Maynard Receives Top Honor at Black British Business Awards
The Black British Business Awards celebrated its 11th year by honoring Pamela Maynard as the Business Person of the Year. Maynard, who recently joined Microsoft, received the award at a gala event held at the InterContinental London Park Lane.
Cecil Peters, head of DEI and Advancing Black Pathways at JPMorganChase, presented the award to Maynard. The ceremony highlighted her exceptional leadership and contributions to the tech industry.
Trailblazing Career: From Avanade CEO to Microsoft AI Leader
Before joining Microsoft, Maynard served as CEO of Avanade for five years. Under her leadership, Avanade achieved remarkable growth and won Microsoft’s Partner of the Year award 18 times.
Maynard’s people-first approach led to Avanade winning over 75 Best Places to Work awards. Notably, she became the first Black female CEO to lead a company on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work list.
Maynard’s Vision for Diversity and Inclusion in Tech
In her acceptance speech, Maynard emphasized the importance of continuing the momentum for diversity and inclusion. She said, “Together we will absolutely continue to break down the barriers. Together we are absolutely going to continue to destroy the stereotypes.”
Maynard acknowledged the trailblazers who came before her and expressed excitement about future leaders. She called on attendees to work together to create a naturally diverse and inclusive future.
Black British Business Awards: Celebrating Excellence and Leadership
The 2024 Black British Business Awards honored 15 Black professionals across various industries. The theme “#NEXT” marked a new decade of achievements and recognized the next generation of industry leaders.
Dr. Sophie Chandauka MBE, chair and executive founder of the awards, praised the winners. She highlighted Maynard’s global leadership role in AI innovation as particularly inspiring for the next generation.
With over 330 Black British professionals and entrepreneurs honored to date, the awards continue to reshape the future of British business. They showcase the resilience, brilliance, and leadership within the Black community.
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