After ten impactful years as Chancellor, Karen Blackett CBE will step down from her post at the University of Portsmouth in early 2027.
The charismatic Karen, who was born in Reading to Barbadian parents, has always drawn strength from her Bajan heritage, which shapes both her identity and perspective. Growing up in a diaspora family, Karen inherited values of diligence, perseverance, and the drive to overcome obstacles.
Since her appointment in 2017, the UoP alumna has served the University with distinction, drawing on her extensive experience in marketing communications, including leadership roles at major firms.
The Chancellor serves as the ceremonial head and key ambassador of the University, helping to raise its profile and embodying institutional values.
After graduating from the University in 1992 with a degree in geography, Karen began her career at CIA MediaNetwork and advanced to senior leadership roles in media.
In September 2021, Karen joined David Lammy MP, David Olusoga OBE, Kwame Kwei-Armah OBE, Ric Lewis, and Dame Vivian Hunt as founding trustees of the Black Equity Organisation (BEO), a national charity dedicated to combating systemic racism and improving the lives of Black people in the UK.
Karen was appointed as a non-executive director of Diageo in June 2022. In October 2022, she became WPP UK President. In April 2024, she was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
Talking about her time at the University, Karen said: “The University of Portsmouth had a huge role in shaping the person I am today, having attended as an undergraduate. It has been a joy to be invited back as Chancellor, and the last ten years have been nothing but magical. Although I step down as Chancellor, the University and Portsmouth will always be in my heart.”
Karen received an OBE for services to media and communications in 2014. In 2015, she became the first businesswoman to be named Britain’s Most Influential Black person in the Power List.
In 2025, Karen was awarded a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours List for services to Advertising and the Creative Industries.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, said: “I am enormously grateful for the dedication and commitment that Karen has shown to the University during her tenure. Throughout a decade marked by change, growth, and at times considerable challenge, she has provided us with wise counsel and powerful advocacy.
“As an alumna, Karen understands first-hand the transformative power of higher education. She has brought that passion and experience back to Portsmouth, particularly through the time she has generously devoted to engaging and inspiring our students.
“She will always remain a great friend of the University and be an important part of our University community. We all wish her well for whatever roles or challenges she next undertakes and will always support her in the way she has supported us.”
Karen will fulfil her remaining commitments at the University, including graduation ceremonies, until stepping down next year.
Karen is an external advisor to the UK Government Civil Service and a Business Ambassador to the Department of International Trade. She serves on the board of Creative England and is a council member of the Creative Industries Federation.
