Keynote SpeakersKaren Blackett CBE is a leading keynote speaker and former WPP executive, sharing insights on leadership, diversity, inclusion and business transformation
Karen is a proven business leader with a track record of building vibrant cultures, energising teams, and consistently driving business growth and success.
In September 2022, she was appointed as UK President of WPP, following her roles as U.K. Country Manager for WPP and U.K. CEO of GroupM, the world’s leading media investment company.
One of the 25 Most Influential and Inspirational Women of 2018 – VOGUE
Karen was appointed the Race Equality Business Champion by the UK Prime Minister in October 2018.
A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, she regularly appears on the Power List 100 of the UK’s most influential black people.
With over 20 years of experience at the forefront of the media industry, Karen Blackett rose to her current position after an enormously successful period as CEO of MediaCom UK.
Karen led over £1.2 billion in media billings and 1,200 MediaCom UK employees.
As CEO of MediaCom UK, she also oversaw £790 million of new business and the successful capture of the coveted Tesco account, after 23 years with their incumbent agency. The industry magazine Campaign recognised this growth and success by voting MediaCom UK Agency of the Year for an unprecedented two years running in 2013 & 2014.
Karen Blackett Keynote Speaker:
An experienced keynote speaker, Karen Blackett is a well-known voice within the media and corporate world.
Her engaging style gives the audience dynamic insight into the marketing and commercial acumen she has built as a leader in her field.
This recognition came in 2014, when she was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to media and communications.
In 2017, Campaign Magazine voted Karen the ‘Most admired Leader in Ad Land‘.
Karen has driven Diversity & Inclusion as a key contributor to business success in all organisations that she works with. During her 5 years as CEO of MediaCom, ethnic diversity rose from 11% to 19%, and women in senior management roles increased to 44%.
Karen’s keynote speaking topics include:
- Influence & Leadership: Creating an Exceptional Culture
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Unlocking and Understanding the Consumer
- World-Class Leadership
- Future-proofing your Business in the 21st Century / Talent is Everywhere, Opportunity is Not
Her recent clients include Amazon, Barclays, BNY Mellon, Odgers Berndtson, Channel 4 and the Civil Service.
In 2015, Karen was appointed as one of only four external advisors to help diversify the Civil Service.
In March 2016, Karen served as President of NABS, the advertising industry charity focused on workplace health and wellbeing and presenting the business case for diversity.
