Sky is delighted to announce that Karen Blackett CBE has joined its Diversity Advisory Council (DAC), attending her first meeting this month.

Karen brings extensive executive leadership experience across the creative, media and advertising industries, alongside a long‑standing commitment to driving inclusive growth. Her most recent executive roles include serving as President of WPP UK, where she led a workforce of 13,000 people and oversaw a $2bn P&L. During this period, she also held the role of CEO of GroupM UK, WPP’s media investment arm, leading the organisation through the Covid‑19 pandemic and a significant transformation programme to future‑proof the business.

Karen now works as a non‑executive director and brand transformation and growth consultant, advising organisations across the public, private and private equity sectors. Her current portfolio includes work with Diageo PLC and the British Fashion Council, supporting leaders to drive long‑term, sustainable growth.

A respected figure in public life, Karen has served as Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth for eight years and is the first alumnus to return to the institution in this role. She is also one of the founding trustees of UK national Black civil rights organisation The Black Equity Organisation (BEO), alongside David Lammy MP, Dame Vivian Hunt, David Olusoga OBE, Kwame Kwei‑Armah OBE and Ric Lewis.

Karen’s contributions to business and society have been widely recognised, including multiple honorary doctorates, the Freedom of the City of London and a CBE for services to advertising and the creative industries. She brings deep insight, energy and constructive challenge to Sky as it continues to strengthen its approach to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Karen Blackett CBE said: “I am thrilled to join Sky’s Diversity Advisory Council. Having worked with Sky in an Executive capacity since 2004, I know the organisation truly does live its philosophy of “Believe in Better”, and this focus transcends to the talent and partners Sky invests in and works with. I am excited to be part of Sky’s continued commitment to ensuring it uses its influence and voice to create a better world.”

Karen’s appointment coincides with the departure of Baroness Prashar and Ndidi Okezie, who are stepping down from Sky’s DAC after five years. During this time, they supported the successful delivery of Sky’s partnership with Sir Lewis Hamilton’s charity Mission 44, working across education and the wider youth sector to tackle school exclusions. The insight and recommendations from this work have contributed to government policy commitments that will help drive inclusion for young people. They have also played an integral role in Sky exceeding its diversity and inclusion objectives - making Sky a representative and inclusive company that uses its platform to tackle inequality.

David Carrigan, Group Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Sky, said: “We are thrilled that Karen has accepted our invitation to join Sky’s Diversity Advisory Council. The wealth of experience, insight and innovation she brings will be of immense value to Sky as we continue to ensure fairness, equality and inclusion remain central to how we run our business. I also want to thank Baroness Prashar and Ndidi for their partnership and contribution over the past five years – leaving a legacy that we are determined to build upon.