Dean Forbes: Inspirational Journey of a Business Executive Who Rose from Hardship to Global Success

Introduction

Dean Forbes is a name that resonates with determination, resilience, and exceptional leadership. Once a homeless teenager struggling to make ends meet, he has today become one of the most respected business executives in the United Kingdom. His journey demonstrates how setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones for greatness. Forbes has become a shining example for those who aspire to turn adversity into success.

As the Chief Executive Officer of Forterro, a software company based in London, England, he has overseen massive growth and international expansion. His leadership style, focus on innovation, and passion for social mobility have established him as a trailblazer in the technology industry. This article explores his early life, career, achievements, net worth, and legacy in detail.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Struggles

Dean Forbes was born in Lewisham, South East London, in 1978. Raised by a single mother who battled muscular dystrophy, Forbes faced challenges that could have easily derailed his ambitions. From an early age, he was forced to take responsibility for his two younger brothers, becoming both a sibling and a caretaker.

Life was never easy for the young Dean. Twice during his teenage years, he experienced homelessness. At one point, he accumulated significant personal debt as he tried to maintain appearances similar to his peers. Yet these hardships gave him the determination to rise above his circumstances and build a career that many can only dream of.

Education and Early Aspirations

Despite the instability of his youth, Forbes managed to pass ten GCSEs, a feat that demonstrated his resilience. As a teenager, he aspired to become a professional footballer and joined the Crystal Palace youth academy. However, at 17, his dream came to a halt when he was released from the team.

This turning point marked the end of his sports ambition but the beginning of his career in business. He secured his first role at Motorola in 1995, starting from the bottom in a call centre. That job not only helped him pay off debts but also gave him his first taste of the corporate world.

Career Beginnings

Motorola and Telecommunications

At Motorola, Dean Forbes developed foundational skills in sales and client management. He displayed remarkable work ethic and communication skills, which would later serve him well in leadership roles. After leaving Motorola, he briefly worked in telecommunications, further expanding his professional experience.

Primavera and Oracle

In 2000, Forbes joined Primavera Systems, where he oversaw international operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. His achievements caught the attention of Oracle, which acquired Primavera in 2009. Following the acquisition, Forbes became one of the youngest vice presidents at Oracle, responsible for global sales and marketing. This period marked the beginning of his reputation as a strategic and results-driven executive.

Rise to Chief Executive Officer

Leadership at KDS

In 2010, Dean Forbes moved to KDS, a SaaS travel and expense management firm. Within a year, he became CEO. His leadership transformed the company, driving innovation and expansion. In 2016, KDS was acquired by American Express Global Business Travel, a major milestone in his career. Forbes stayed on as CEO of the subsidiary until late that year.

CoreHR and The Access Group

After KDS, Forbes became CEO of CoreHR, a human resources software business. Under his leadership, CoreHR achieved significant growth before being acquired by The Access Group in 2020. Forbes then served as President of Access People Division until early 2021.

CEO of Forterro

In 2021, Dean Forbes was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Forterro, a European ERP and software solutions provider. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a multi-billion-euro enterprise, reaching unicorn status in 2022 and surpassing a valuation of €2 billion by 2024. His focus on acquisitions, digital transformation, and AI adoption has cemented Forterro’s reputation as a powerhouse in the software sector.

Business Ventures and Philanthropy

Beyond his executive roles, Dean Forbes is committed to giving back. He is Chairman of the Forbes Family Group (FFG), a foundation that supports social mobility, entrepreneurship, and mentoring for underrepresented communities. Through FFG, he has raised substantial funds for causes such as the African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust.

He is also a partner at Corten Capital, a private equity firm, where he contributes his expertise in scaling technology businesses. His ventures combine professional success with a sense of responsibility to uplift others.

Recognition and Achievements

Dean Forbes has been widely recognized for his contributions:

• Featured multiple times in the Powerlist of most influential Black Britons.

• Ranked #1 in the 2025 Powerlist, becoming the most influential Black person in the United Kingdom.

• Named PwC Tech CEO of the Year (2022).

• Recognized among the UK’s 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders.

These accolades highlight his influence not only in the business world but also as a cultural and community leader.

Net Worth and Sources of Income

Dean Forbes’s net worth is estimated at around £40 million. The bulk of his wealth comes from leadership roles, equity in companies he has led, and his stake in Forterro. He has also benefited from successful acquisitions of businesses such as KDS and CoreHR. As a partner at Corten Capital, his investments further contribute to his financial standing.

Latest News

In 2024, Dean Forbes made headlines for topping the Powerlist 2025, confirming his role as a leading Black British business executive. Forterro has continued its growth strategy, acquiring new software companies and investing heavily in AI-driven solutions. His foundation, FFG, successfully raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support healthcare and community initiatives.

Legacy

Dean Forbes’s legacy is one of resilience, leadership, and social contribution. From homelessness to becoming CEO of a global software company based in London, England, his story inspires countless individuals. He has shown that setbacks can be powerful motivators, and his efforts to mentor and support others ensure his impact will continue for generations.

His journey highlights the importance of determination, community, and giving back. Dean Forbes is not only a successful business executive but also a role model for those striving to overcome adversity.

Conclusion

Dean Forbes’s journey from hardship to high-level corporate leadership is nothing short of extraordinary. His career trajectory shows the value of perseverance, innovation, and purpose. As the Chief Executive Officer of Forterro, he continues to shape the future of software solutions while championing diversity and social mobility. His story proves that no matter the challenges faced in youth, with resilience and vision, greatness is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is Dean Forbes?

Dean Forbes is a British business executive and the Chief Executive Officer of Forterro, a software company headquartered in London, England.

What is Dean Forbes’s net worth?

His net worth is estimated at around £40 million, mainly from his roles as CEO, equity stakes, and investments.

What companies has Dean Forbes led?

He has held senior leadership positions at Motorola, Primavera, Oracle, KDS, CoreHR, The Access Group, and Forterro.

Why is Dean Forbes influential?

He was ranked #1 on the Powerlist 2025, naming him the most influential Black person in the UK, due to his business achievements and community impact.

What does Dean Forbes’s foundation do?

The Forbes Family Group supports social mobility, mentoring, and fundraising for healthcare and underrepresented entrepreneurs.

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