After studying at the University of Portsmouth and obtaining a degree in Geography, Karen decided to diversify from her education and join the world of communications, marketing and advertising. In 1995 she began her credible career as a Senior Communications Planner and Buyer for Zenith Media, working on the accounts of prestigious brand BT. Impressing officials of the media sector, Karen was also appointed on the board of directors for MediaCom and The Media Business Group in the same year. Working her way through the ranks, Karen was appointed Marketing Director before becoming the Chief Operation Director for EMEA for MediaCom. Continually proving a prominent figure within the business, Karen was ultimately appointed as CEO of MediaCom in 2011.
As CEO, Karen was at the helm of the UK office making sure that 1100 people were performing in their roles as they should be. She was also responsible for an astounding £1.2 billion of media billings. Under her careful management, MediaCom went from strength to strength winning awards such as the Agency of the Year and claiming business from the likes of Tesco, Coca Cola and Audi. Another prominent achievement of Karen’s is launching the Apprenticeship Scheme to gain an NVQ in Marketing and Communications, the first scheme for a media agency to be backed by the UK Government. She has also acted as a DIT Business Ambassador for No.10, a Race Equality Champion appointed by the then Prime Minister Theresa May, a Non-Executive of The MOBO Trust and a Non-Executive of The Creative Industry Federation and Creative England.
Outside of MediaCom, Karen has also worked a number of other credible roles. She has worked as a UKTI Business Ambassador and has formerly acted as the President of NABS. Karen is widely known for pushing the importance of diversity and inclusion, with her role as President of NABS focusing on health, wellbeing and diversity in the workplace. She has also most recently become the Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, where she previously studied herself. Her credible career and commitment to the media and communications industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2014 she was appointed OBE, rewarded for her dedication to media and communications. She has also been recognised five times on the 100 Most Influential Black Women list and also in the Woman’s Hour Power List of Top 100 Influencers. She has also claimed the Women in Marketing Outstanding Contribution to Marketing Award, was recognised at Marie Claire’s Women at the Top Awards and listed as one of the 35 Most Powerful Women Under 35 in the UK.
A highly sought speaker, Karen is called upon to deliver on the media, communications, advertising and marketing using her two decades worth of experience to back her authoritative addresses. Previous speaking engagements include the Voice of Women event, Black Women Mean Business, Inspiring Women conference for Management Today, AANA Reset Conference and Mumsnet Workfest. Karen is also a seasoned TED speaker, including titles such as It’s OK To Be You. Covering a wide variety of topics, such including diversity in the media, growing a successful business, marketing, communications and branding, Karen Blackett is the perfect speaker to engage a range of corporate clients.
