Vanessa Kingori is one of the most influential figures in global media and publishing, with a distinguished career at Condé Nast that has cemented her reputation as a trailblazer. Rising through the ranks, Vanessa made history as the first female Publishing Director of British Vogue in 2018, later becoming the Publishing Director of the British Vogue Portfolio. Before her groundbreaking role at Vogue, she held senior positions at British GQ, GQ Style UK, and Esquire Magazine, demonstrating her formidable expertise in media leadership and commercial strategy.
Vanessa’s impact extends beyond publishing. She has served as an advisor on Brexit to the Mayor of London, a judge for prestigious business awards, and a non-executive board member for institutions such as the Royal Opera House and the University of the Arts London. Her strategic acumen and commitment to diversity have made her a sought-after voice in business and leadership.
Her remarkable career has earned her numerous accolades, including an MBE in 2016 and an OBE in 2023. She was named Business Person of the Year by The London Chamber of Commerce Black Excellence Awards and was recognised as the Most Influential Black British Executive by The Powerlist Awards. Vanessa has consistently been ranked among the most powerful and inspirational leaders in the UK, featuring on the Powerlist of the 100 Most Influential Black Britons for over a decade. Her contributions to business and culture have also been recognised with honorary academic titles from the University of Portsmouth and Royal Holloway University.
Vanessa’s success and resilience have made her a sought-after motivational speaker. She shares insights on purpose in business, change management, career pivots, and revenue diversification - key themes that have defined her journey. Her leadership in initiatives such as the #ShareTheMic UK campaign highlights her commitment to driving meaningful change. Now, as the Managing Director of Technology, Media, and Telecoms for Google, Vanessa continues to inspire professionals worldwide, offering a unique perspective on navigating and thriving in today’s evolving business landscape.
