ITV reported MediaCom UK CEO Karen Blackett was named “most influential Black person in Britain” on the Powerlist 2015. Um, with all due respect, Blackett clearly has lots of impressive contributions and accomplishments on her résumé—and past Powerlists placed her at Number 7 in 2013 and Number 5 in 2014. However, the honor actually sends a disturbing message about the state of diversity in Britain, especially in regards to the country’s advertising industry. After all, despite Blackett’s willingness and courage to speak out on adland’s exclusivity, it’s safe to say she has failed to influence her peers to change. Why? Because like in the USA, the most influential Black people won’t inspire significant progress until even the least influential White people decide to take action.
Karen Blackett ‘most influential black person in Britain’
London business woman Karen Blackett has been named as the most influential black person in Britain.
The 43 year old, who is CEO of MediaCom UK, is the first ever business woman to top the Powerlist.
She beat Oscar winning director Steve McQueen, a Google executive and several MPs.
The top ten on the Powerlist 2015 are:
• Karen Blackett, CEO, MediaCom UK
• Ken Olisa, Thomson Reuters, Powerlist Foundation charity
• Chuka Umunna, Shadow Business Secretary (Labour MP, Streatham) / and Helen Grant, Minister for Sport and Tourism
• Sandie Okoro, Global General Council, HSBC Global Asset Management
• Steve McQueen, Artist/Director
• Matthew Ryder QC
• Sharon White, Second Permanent Secretary of the Treasury
• Lenny Henry and Idris Elba
• Adrian Joseph, Search Advertising Northern
• Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver
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