Karen Blackett CBE
UK President of WPP and U.K. CEO of GroupM, the world’s leading media investment company
*Fees are a guide only. Exact cost will be dependent on requirements and are subject to change.
About Karen Blackett
Karen Blackett is responsible for driving growth in WPP’s second largest market of 10,000 people, as GroupM UK CEO, Karen managed the business at a critical time during the COVID global pandemic and the subsequent impact of the killing of George Floyd.
Karen Blackett, in both 2003 and 2005, was voted by Management Today as one of the 35 Most Powerful Women Under 35 in the UK. Additionally, she has featured on the UK’s 100 most influential black women 5 times, In June 2014, Karen was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday honours and topped the Power List, being the first businesswoman to come in at Number 1. Karen has recently been appointed NED for Diageo (FTSE Top 100 company) and was a former NED of The Cabinet Office.
A huge advocate of diversity and inclusion, both in the corporate world and beyond, in the 5 years that Karen was CEO of MediaCom, ethnic diversity transformed from 11% to 19%, and women in senior management roles increased to 44%. Karen also worked with Tim Campbell MBE and The National Apprentice Service, and in 2012, launched an apprenticeship scheme at Mediacom for women aged 18 to 24.
In April 2024, Karen was awarded Freedom of the City of London and received a CBE for Services to Advertising and The Creative Industries in the January 2025 King’s New Years honours.
In May 2025, Karen joined The Board of The British Fashion Council, and in June 2025 was appointed a Non-Executive Director of the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Outside of her work, Karen is a single mum to her beautiful son, Isaac. The daughter of 2 Bajan parents, Karen regularly returns to her spiritual “home” Barbados and spends her free time enjoying the outdoors and walking her two adorable dogs Bob Marley and Missy Elliot.
To book Keynote Speaker Karen Blackett CBE, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com
Authenticity & Success: Creating an Exceptional Culture
Some teams consistently outperform others. This session explores how creating a culture where people feel able to be themselves drives engagement, innovation, wellbeing and long-term success.
Unlocking & Understanding: The Customer
The key to competitive advantage lies in truly understanding people. Discover how changing consumer behaviours, expectations and values are reshaping the customer landscape and what organisations must do to stay relevant.
World-Class Leadership: What Does That Mean?
What separates a leader from a manager? This thought-provoking keynote examines the qualities of exceptional leadership and how to inspire trust, influence behaviour and unite people behind a shared vision.
Future-Proofing Your Business in the 21st Century
Diversity is not just a social imperative; it is a business advantage. Explore how embracing difference, understanding demographic shifts and responding to an increasingly diverse consumer base can help organisations thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Personal Branding: Why It’s a Must
Your personal brand is one of your most valuable assets. Learn why reputation, visibility and authenticity matter more than ever, and how building a strong personal brand can accelerate career success and open new opportunities.
Client Feedback
"When she talks, everyone listens!"
Windsor Leadership
"One of the most inspiring presentations I have seen in many years...the themes of fairness, equality and diversity were extremely relevant to our own special mission."
Grapevine
"In a world of rapid change, Karen reminded us that leading with empathy and agility isn’t just effective, it’s essential. Thank you for your extremely inspiring talk."
TechComms
"Karen shared insights from her time at companies including Diageo and Creative UK about driving business growth through value creation, team leadership, and building high-performing work cultures. Thank you, Karen, for your invaluable perspective!"
Evercore
"Karen Blackett CBE delivered a truly powerful and thought-provoking keynote at the IoIC Festival, highlighting the vital role of internal communication in shaping trusted, high-performing organisations. Her message underscored the importance of building environments where people feel connected, valued, and empowered to thrive. Karen’s session was eloquent, impactful, and grounded in authenticity."
IoIC Festival
