Karen Blackett CBE

Karen Blackett is the former UK President of the giant global advertising company WPP. She also served as CEO of Group M, WPP's media investment arm, and was previously chairwoman of MediaCom UK, which is now a part of Group M. She is a non-executive board member of the Cabinet Office, and has been named by Debrett’s, the Telegraph and Ad Age as one of the leading and most influential women in business and the media.

With over 20 years’ experience at the forefront of the media industry, Karen rose to UK presidency of WPP after an enormously successful period as CEO of MediaCom UK, which saw her in charge of over £1.2 billion of media billings and 1,100 employees. As CEO she also oversaw £790 million of new business and the successful capture of the coveted Tesco account, after 23 years with their incumbent agency. This period of growth and success was recognised by industry magazine Campaign, as MediaCom UK was voted Agency of the Year for an unprecedented two years running.

Karen is a business leader with a track record in creating vibrant and resilient cultures, motivating teams and consistently delivering growth and success. Forthright and engaging, she considers the nature of leadership in the modern business world, where individuals and teams need flexibility, empathy and to perform under pressure. She also examines the importance of women’s rights and diversity to create a strong company that reflects wider society.

Karen is President of NABS, the advertising industry charity which focuses on health and wellbeing in the workplace and presenting the business case for diversity. She was also asked to help diversify the Civil Service and she was a UKTI Business Ambassador. She serves as an Advisory Board member of Shine Media and a Non Exec of Creative England.