Tobun has been included in the 2019 EMpower ethnic minority list, which celebrates individuals from a broad range of sectors and professions.
Peers and colleagues nominated ethnic minority leaders, with nominations then reviewed by EMpower’s judging panel. Individuals were scored on the influence of their role, their impact on ethnic minority inclusion and their business achievements.
Tobun said: “I’m delighted to be part of what is a very distinguished list of individuals from across all sectors.
“For me, the work we do is fundamentally about creating an environment where people can succeed. Ethnicity shouldn’t be seen as a barrier; difference is actually a strength.
“We are making great strides as a society but there is still much to be done.”
In 2001 Tobun founded his business Gate Ventures that offers logistics services to the foodservice sector. He has been praised for leading a diverse senior management team in terms of ethnicity and gender.
Tobun chairs a charity called Inspirational You, which provides guidance to people of BAME background starting out in business through a range of initiatives, including work experience, mentoring and business workshops.
Recently, he chaired an Inspiration You event at the Houses of Parliament designed to help young people understand the challenges of the world.
Tobun is the only black board member of Middlesex University, despite the population being over 60% ethnic minority. He encouraged a buddy system to support foreign university students throughout their first year.