Karen Blackett Keynote Speaker

Awarded CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in January 2025 for services to Advertising & the Creative Industries
First businesswoman to top the Powerlist (2015); Powerlist Outstanding Contribution Award (2022)
Appointed to Board of British Fashion Council (May 2025); Chancellor, University of Portsmouth (since 2017)

Karen Blackett's Biography

Karen Blackett CBE is a trailblazing business leader redefining the future of media and advertising. As UK President of WPP and former CEO of GroupM UK, she navigated business continuity and growth through monumental challenges—most notably during the COVID-19 crisis and the social reckonings of 2020. Her career is distinguished by her first-ever leadership of MediaCom UK as chairwoman, elevating the agency to Campaign’s Agency of the Year for two consecutive years.

With a CBE awarded in the 2025 New Year’s Honours and the Freedom of the City of London in 2024, Karen continues to push the creative industries forward. She extends her influence through key non-executive roles—including Diageo’s board, the British Fashion Council, the Cabinet Office (2019–2022), Creative UK, and as Race Equality Business Champion and Business Ambassador for the civil service. Her advocacy for equality is also rooted in co-founding the Black Equity Organisation to dismantle systemic barriers in the UK.

Karen brings to audiences a rich blend of strategic foresight, generosity of insight, and transformative leadership. Her keynotes empower organisations to embrace inclusive growth, cultivate purpose-driven cultures, and future-proof their operations in an ever-changing landscape.