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The Forty under 40 Awards are curated to identify, honour and celebrate a cross-section of Britain's most influential and accomplished young business leaders under the age of 40 from a wide range of industries, who are committed to business growth, professional excellence, community service and have risen up the ranks of their companies or industries.
Akshay Chopra, our Global Head of Learning & Leadership Development at Enterprise Solutions, has won the FORTY UNDER 40 UK Award 2025 for Human Resource & Development!
Reflecting on the Awards Gala at The Institute of Directors in London, Akshay shared:
"It was an honour to share the stage with inspiring entrepreneurs and leaders, and to speak at the Summit segment 'Share Your Story, Inspire Generations' – sharing my ~7-year journey across multiple Talent and HR roles at Page and how these experiences shaped me as a leader."
On receiving the award, he added:
"This recognition reflects the collective energy, support, and faith of my mentors, colleagues, friends, family, and well-wishers – it truly takes a village."
This achievement reflects not only Akshay’s exceptional leadership but also the collaborative spirit and expertise that define all our teams at Enterprise Solutions from PageGroup. It’s a reminder of what we can accomplish together when we innovate, learn, and grow.
Join us in congratulating Akshay and celebrating the incredible talent across Enterprise Solutions! 👏
#FortyUnder40#Leadership#HRExcellence#EnterpriseSolutions#PageGroup#PeopleAndCulture#AwardWinner
While in London, I had the privilege of attending the FORTY UNDER 40 UK gathering, graced by the Ghana High Commissioner to the UK, H.E Sabah Zita Benson . Her commitment to empowering businesses to invest in Ghana and providing an enabling environment for Ghanaian entrepreneurs to thrive in the UK is amazing.
I met incredible people and enjoyed every moment of our conversations. I was especially glad to connect with Jerry Adjorlolo, a distinguished corporate MC known for moderating high-value events.
It was inspiring to meet entrepreneurs and founders generating massive monthly and annual revenues. Learning from them, and being in that circle, deepens my understanding of what we’re building at Cleva .
A big thanks to TWINSDNTBEG for getting me into the space . Looking forward to many more of these moments.
November has been beautiful.
The month began at the University of Oxford , where my team and I hosted the second edition of the Cleva Summit. It was a surreal moment, standing on such historic grounds while bringing together ambitious entrepreneurs and young professionals from different countries.
Amsterdam was next. After six years, returning to the city that gave me my first family outside Ghana filled my heart. Reuniting with the incredible people who hosted me back then and spending quality time together was truly memorable.
Then came London, an unplanned but perfectly aligned stop. I missed my flight to Toronto on purpose because I had a rare opportunity to meet Ghana’s High Commissioner in person at the FORTY UNDER 40 UK 🇬🇧. I also had the pleasure of meeting Jerry Adjorlolo. Moments like these are worth missing a flight for.
Finally, back to my new home in Toronto, I spent time at the Toronto Business Development Centre where I have found a family committed to helping me grow and scale Cleva. There is a unique joy in coming home to purpose. To wrap the month up, I had the privilege of attending a personal branding masterclass hosted by Bridget S.. I learned a lot, made meaningful connections, and was reminded once again that life keeps blessing us through people we never expected to meet.
To think that I have been able to stand in all these places, not because I am ambitious or resourced, but because God has been merciful to me. For every blessing, my heart is set on paying it forward.
As December arrives, I look ahead with gratitude, expectation, and excitement for the memories yet to be made.
Two weeks ago I attended the FORTY UNDER 40 UK event, and I am still thinking about the energy in that room. It was full of people who are building, leading and pushing boundaries across the UK and Ghana, and it genuinely stayed with me.
I had the chance to meet brilliant leaders from different sectors, including the Ghana High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency Sabah Zita Benson. The conversations about connecting the diaspora, investing in our communities and creating opportunities together were powerful and grounded in action.
I left inspired, with new relationships and ideas I am excited to explore. Moments like this remind me why collaboration matters and why we need to keep showing up for each other.
Looking forward to building on the connections made.
#40Under40#Leadership#DiasporaExcellence#Community#Collaboration
It was a privilege to speak at the FORTY UNDER 40 UK Champions Summit at The Institute of Directors on Pall Mall, a room full of founders and rising leaders who are actively shaping the next chapter of British enterprise.
A huge thank you to Bobbi Trehan-Young and RICHARD ABBEY JNR, along with the entire organising team. Events at this level don’t “just happen.” The precision, intention, and care behind the scenes was exceptional.
My talk “Stop Selling, Start Engaging” - sparked conversations I believe the business world needs more of.
Because here’s the reality:
The best leaders aren’t just trying to “close deals.” They’re building cultures that people want to be part of. The truth is that the outside world may see a great business, although the real appreciation is in the hidden parts, the personal sacrifices, and the countless hours. This is exactly what I felt in this crowd of leaders who bring, and the unwavering clarity of vision that lies behind the success.
It was an honour to share the stage with brilliant entrepreneurs, including:
• Mona Das
• Lalita Pinky Taylor FRSA
• Dr Christopher DBA Williams-Martin FCIML
• Peter Tighe
And of course, Andres Monroy Urrego, my Co-Founder at Coboron, who pushes our thinking further every day.
To the judges, Neena Jivraj Stevenson, Paul Akwaboah, @Joel Lamptey, Reece Mennie, and Karrie Liu (CMath FIMA), thank you for elevating the standard with your insight and presence.
This community is one to watch. The ambition in that room was extraordinary.
If you want to dive deeper into the “Stop Selling, Start Engaging” framework and explore whether our Mastermind is right for you → drop “STOP” in the comments and I’ll reach out personally.
Or tag a founder who needs this message today.
This week, I experienced one of the most surreal milestones of my career; being named the Media, Digital & Social winner of FORTY UNDER 40 UK. It’s an honour I’m incredibly proud of.
But life has a way of reshaping what truly matters.
A few weeks ago, my partner Katie Wallwork was diagnosed with stage 3, triple-negative, grade 3 breast cancer. The news has changed our world. It’s a chapter that demands presence, perspective and strength, and it’s reminded me that leadership isn’t just about performance or progress. It’s about choosing what truly matters and living your values with conviction.
What’s made this even more meaningful is where Buddy Media is right now. We’re in one of the biggest periods of growth we’ve ever had; new opportunities, new markets, and a team pushing creativity and performance to new heights.
And yet, despite it being quite possibly the most pivotal moment in the company’s journey, I’ve made the decision to step back from the day-to-day for a while to prioritise Katie, her treatment, and our family.
I’ll remain closely involved as Chairman; completely committed to the vision, the work and the momentum we’ve built. But the operational leadership now sits in exceptionally capable hands.
The support I’ve had from everyone at Buddy has meant more than words can say. Vicky Wroe and Joe Brailsford, in particular, have stepped up with a level of calm, clarity and leadership that has genuinely humbled me. As well as our wider leadership team in Richard Smale, Georgina Bojarski, Alison Holliday and Amelia Burrows who continue to embody Buddy's values and passion to do great work for our clients. Truly thank you all.
The wider team, our board, our clients and our partners have shown exactly what a real community looks like: strong, united and value-driven.
During my acceptance speech, I shared a line that continues to echo in my mind:
“The most powerful journeys often begin with impossible challenges.”
This is one of those moments. And I’m grateful we’re walking it together.
Before you scroll, I want to share one simple ask: look after yourselves.
Take a moment each month to check your body, your energy, your rhythm.
It takes minutes, and it gives you control.
You are needed, you are loved, and your health matters more than you realise.
To everyone who has reached out, Thank You.
I’ll reply when I can.
And if you want to connect, share a thought, or just say hello, my DMs are always open.
Family first. Values first. Onwards we march.
#40Under40#Leadership#Resilience#BuddyMedia#LifeLessons#FamilyFirst#ValuesInAction#OnwardsWeMarch#Community
Profile of your Agriculture Nominee: FRANCIS NGUMBI MUTUA
Francis Ngumbi Mutua is an accomplished finance executive with extensive cross-industry experience in agriculture, FMCG, automotive, and manufacturing across Africa.
He currently serves as Chief Finance Officer at Kisima Farm Limited in Meru, Kenya, where he oversees financial strategy, governance, and risk management for the farm and its subsidiaries.
Since joining in December 2023, he has driven a remarkable 150% year-on-year increase in profitability through financial restructuring, stronger IFRS-compliant controls, and operational efficiencies.
His leadership also reduced the company’s gearing to 25%, significantly enhancing financial stability and flexibility.
Francis holds a Master of Commerce (Strategic Option) from Strathmore Business School and a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) from Kenyatta University.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) and Certified Secretary, he is a member of the Institute of Directors (Kenya) and the Directors Forum.
He further strengthened his leadership and governance skills through the Senior Executive Programme at the London Business School.
Previously, Francis served as Head of Finance at TATA Africa Kenya Ltd, achieving KES 610 million in cost savings, recovering 75% of overdue debt, and negotiating six asset-financing partnerships.
His regional impact includes driving 25% sales growth across 18 African countries with Beiersdorf (Nivea) and improving profitability at EABL | Diageo by implementing 25% cost reductions.
Committed to community development, he supports education, healthcare, and nutrition programs through the Kisima Foundation.
Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 Africa finalist in 2024, Francis continues to champion ethical leadership and sustainable agribusiness transformation.
#Events#Spottedunder40#Fortyunder40
