Karen is a proven business leader who builds vibrant cultures, energises teams, and drives consistent growth. She previously served as UK President of WPP, the world’s largest marketing services group, where she led its second-largest market of 13,000 people.
As GroupM UK CEO, she led a major turnaround during the COVID-19 pandemic and the global response to George Floyd’s killing. She restored stability and renewed focus during a period of intense pressure.
Karen also brings strong multinational experience. As EMEA Chief Operating Officer, she oversaw key markets including Russia, Turkey, France, Spain, Portugal, Poland, the Czech Republic, South Africa, and Israel. Over three years, she strengthened the regional network and helped MediaCom rise from fifth to third in the EMEA rankings.
In 2014, she received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours and became the first businesswoman to top the Power List.
Since 2016, she has served as a Non-Executive Director for Creative UK, a not-for-profit that supports and invests in creative talent and businesses.
In 2017, she became Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, the first alumna to hold the role.
In 2021, she co-founded The Black Equity Organisation with David Lammy MP, David Olusoga OBE, Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE, Ric Lewis, and Dame Vivian Hunt. BEO works to dismantle systemic racism, drive generational change, and improve the lives of Black people across Britain.
In June 2022, she joined Diageo as a Non-Executive Director and previously served on the UK Cabinet Office board. That same year, she received the Power List’s Outstanding Contribution Award.
INvolve ranked her the #1 Woman Executive in October 2023.
In 2024, she received the Freedom of the City of London. In January 2025, she received a CBE for services to Advertising and the Creative Industries.
