President of WPP UK, Former CEO of GroupM UK, Founding Trustee of the Black Equity Organisation & Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth
Karen Blackett’s Biography:
Karen Blackett CBE is one of the most influential figures in British advertising, media and business leadership. A pioneering executive with more than three decades of experience, Karen is best known for her transformative leadership of MediaCom UK as CEO, one of the nation’s largest media agencies. She secured major clients including Tesco, Audi, Coca-Cola and GSK, while leading the agency to consecutive Agency of the Year awards. Today, as President of WPP UK, Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth and a leading advocate for equality and inclusion, Karen is a highly sought-after speaker on leadership, diversity, business growth and the future of work.
Karen’s career has been defined by a steady rise through the media and advertising industry. In 1999, she joined the Board of Directors following the merger of The Media Business Group and MediaCom. She subsequently held several senior leadership positions, including Chief Operations Director for EMEA and Chairperson of MediaCom UK, before becoming UK CEO in 2011. Her success within MediaCom led to wider leadership responsibilities across WPP, serving as Country Manager and later GroupM UK CEO before being appointed President of WPP UK in 2022.
Widely recognised for her contributions to media and communications, Karen was appointed OBE in 2014 and elevated to CBE in 2025 for services to advertising and the creative industries. She has been featured five times on Britain’s Most Influential Black People Power List, named among Marie Claire’s Top 10 Inspirational Women and recognised by the IPA for her outstanding services to advertising.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Karen has dedicated much of her career to championing social mobility, diversity and inclusion. She has served as the Prime Minister’s Race Equality Business Champion, a former DIT Business Ambassador for No.10 and a Non-Executive Director for organisations including The MOBO Trust, Creative England and The Creative Industries Federation. As a Founding Trustee of the Black Equity Organisation, she continues to shape conversations around equity, representation and opportunity across British business and society.
Why Hire Karen Blackett?
Karen Blackett is hired as a speaker for her rare combination of boardroom leadership, commercial success and social impact. Having led some of the world’s largest media organisations and advised government on race equality, she provides practical insights into leadership, innovation, workplace culture and inclusive growth. Her TEDx talk, ‘It’s OK To Be You’, demonstrates her ability to inspire audiences through authentic storytelling and actionable lessons. Karen’s experience across business, education and public service makes her an engaging speaker for conferences, leadership events and corporate programmes.
Karen Blackett’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Karen Blackett’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Appointed CBE for services to advertising and the creative industries, recognising her outstanding contribution to British business.
- 2022 – Became President of WPP UK, leading one of the world’s largest marketing and communications groups.
- 2022 – Appointed Non-Executive Director of Diageo Plc, contributing strategic guidance to the global consumer goods company.
- 2022 – Became a Founding Trustee of the Black Equity Organisation, helping drive systemic change across UK society and business.
- 2020 – Appointed GroupM UK CEO, overseeing one of the country’s largest media investment groups.
- 2018 – Named Race Equality Business Champion by the Prime Minister as part of the Race at Work Charter initiative. 2018 – Appointed Country Manager of WPP, expanding her leadership responsibilities across the organisation.
- 2017 – Became Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, championing education, opportunity and social mobility.
- 2016 – Appointed Chairperson of MediaCom UK, building on a successful leadership career within the agency.
Videos
Karen Blackett’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Karen is an impressive force to be reckoned with. She’s strategically sound, insightful, talented and an absolute joy to work with” – Shirley
Speaking Topics
Karen Blackett’s Official Keynote Topics:
- Influence & Leadership – Creating an Exceptional Culture
- Unlocking & Understanding the Consumer
- World Class Leadership
- Future-Proofing Your Business in the 21st Century – Talent is Everywhere, Opportunity is Not
How Much Does Karen Blackett Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Karen Blackett?
Karen Blackett’s speaking fees typically reflect her exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.