Richelieu Dennis Honored as ADCOLOR 2025 Beacon Award Recipient for His Community Impact

ADCOLOR Honors Richelieu Dennis as the 2025 Beacon Award Recipient

ADCOLOR, a leading organization committed to fostering community in the creative sectors, has unveiled that Richelieu Dennis will be the recipient of the prestigious ADCOLOR | ADWEEK Beacon Award for 2025. The award recognizes individuals whose remarkable efforts elevate community representation, inspire transformative change, and illuminate pathways for the next generation, staying true to ADCOLOR's motto: "Rising Up While Reaching Back."

Who is Richelieu Dennis?

Richelieu Dennis is widely recognized as the visionary founder of Sundial Brands, which encompasses beloved brands like SheaMoisture and Nubian Heritage. His entrepreneurial journey took a significant turn when he sold Sundial Brands to Unilever—a landmark deal that became the largest acquisition in the natural beauty and personal care space by a majority Black-owned company in the U.S. This acquisition was more than a business transaction for Dennis; it enabled the launch of the New Voices Fund (NVF), dedicated to empowering emerging entrepreneurs, particularly women of color.

Since its inception, the NVF has channeled over $200 million into more than 25 companies across diverse sectors, including personal care, food, beverage, and more. The Fund has successfully facilitated exits for brands such as Mielle Organics and The Honey Pot Company, exemplifying its commitment to nurturing innovative startups.

Dennis's Vision and Mission

Tiffany R. Warren, Founder and President of ADCOLOR, praised Dennis for demonstrating the essence of turning success into significance. She emphasizes that his commitment to inclusive business practices and strategic investments embodies the spirit of ADCOLOR’s mission—economic empowerment for underrepresented communities and mentoring aspiring founders.

Richelieu Dennis expressed his deep gratitude for receiving this accolade, stating that it symbolizes not only his own accomplishments but also the collective impact of the communities that continuously shape culture. He believes in transforming survival into significance, demonstrating how investing in overlooked entrepreneurs can catalyze transformative changes.

Currently, Dennis serves as the Chair of Sundial Media Technology Group (SMTG), where he oversees influential brands like ESSENCE, Afropunk, and Refinery29 since its acquisition in 2024. With more than three decades of leadership experience, he upholds a business model that marries community, commerce, and culture, creating pathways for underrepresented groups and enhancing access to resources and mentorship.

A Celebration at ADCOLOR 2025

The ADCOLOR 2025 conference, taking place from November 11-14 in Orlando, Florida, will culminate in an awards ceremony that honors various individuals and companies dedicated to making a positive impact in the creative and technology industries. The awards include several categories, selected by ADCOLOR's distinguished Board of Directors. The Beacon Award ceremony will highlight how outstanding leaders like Richelieu Dennis illustrate the core values of resilience and support within the creative community.

Attendees of ADCOLOR 2025 are encouraged to purchase tickets through the event's official registration site. For more details about this year’s honorees or partnership opportunities, head to the ADCOLOR website or follow them on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn.

About ADCOLOR

Founded in 2005, ADCOLOR® is a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating a professional community in the creative industries that champions diversity, equity, and authentic representation. ADCOLOR assists individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds to rise by recognizing their achievements while guiding future leaders to reach back and promote others. For more information about the organization and its programs, visit www.adcolor.org.