University of Portsmouth Chancellor Karen Blackett to step down

After a decade of service, the University of Portsmouth’s Chancellor Karen Blackett CBE has decided to leave the post in early 2027.    

Since her appointment in 2017, the UoP alumna has served the University with distinction, bringing a wealth of experience from an impressive career as a business leader in the marketing communications industry – including as the former UK President for WPP, the world's largest marketing services group. 

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University and its most prominent ambassador. As the figurehead, the post holder embodies the institution’s values and aspirations, and helps to raise its profile locally, nationally and internationally.   

Karen began her impressive career after graduating from the University in 1992 with a degree in geography. Her first role was at CIA MediaNetwork and she was quickly head-hunted by The Media Business Group, where she received many promotions, starting in the Board of Directors in 1999 and moving to Chairwoman of MediaCom UK & Ireland in 2016. 

In September 2021, Karen became one of the founding trustees of a new national charity, Black Equity Organisation (BEO), focused exclusively on dismantling systemic racism across a spectrum of issues affecting Black communities in the UK. 

Karen was appointed non-executive director for Diageo in June 2022 and in October 2022 she was appointed WPP UK President. 

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.” 

In 2014, Karen received an OBE for services to media and communications, and last year 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 given to engage and inspire 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 continue to fulfil her commitments with the University until she steps down next year, including at graduation ceremonies. 

The process to identify the next Chancellor will now begin, with people being invited to offer their nominations for the role by 11.45pm on 27 May.  Nominations will then be considered, with conversations held with suitable candidates before a final decision is made by the Board of Governors. We hope to announce the next Chancellor later in the year. 

Nominate 

Previous post-holders include author and actor Sandi Toksvig OBE (2012–2017), Dame Sheila Hancock (2007–2012), and Lord Palumbo of Walbrook who served as the Chancellor of the University of Portsmouth from 1992 to 2007.