Vanessa Kingori

Last updated

Vanessa Kingori
OBE
Vanessa Kingori - The Female Lead.jpg
Born
Kenya
NationalityBritish, Kenyan, Kittitian
Education Royal Holloway, University of London
Employer[Google]
Known forGoogle Managing Director. Formerly
  • Chief Business Officer, Condé Nast Britain (September 2021–2023)
  • Publishing Director of British Vogue (January 2018–2023)
  • Publisher of British GQ (March 2008–December 2017)
RelativesPatricia Kingori

Vanessa Kingori OBE is a multi-award-winning businesswoman with over 20 years of experience in the media and creative industries. She now serves as Google's Managing Director of Technology, Media, and Telecoms, bringing a fresh perspective to the company's business and cultural shifts for the AI era.

Contents

Vanessa has a track record of "firsts" throughout her career. In 2017, she made history as British Vogue 's first female Publishing Director in over 100 years and Condé Nast Britain's first Black Publisher. She also held significant roles at GQ and British Vogue, driving revenue growth, purpose, and business strategy. Her appointment at Google makes her the most senior Black leader in Google's European business org.

Vanessa is a prolific public speaker, sharing her insights on purpose in business, revenue diversification, change management, and career pivots at events such as the World Economic Forum in Davos, Cannes Lion and for FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies.

She is recognized for her accomplishments, receiving an OBE and an MBE for her services to British Media, as well as being named Powerlist's most influential Black executive in 2023 amongst many other accolades.

Vanessa has served on various boards as a Non-Executive Director/Trustee, including the University of the Arts and the Royal Opera House and Ballet.

Life

Kingori was born in Kenya, initially educated on the Caribbean island of Saint Kitts, before moving permanently to London to complete her education. She went to Royal Holloway College of the University of London. [1] She worked on the London Evening Standard and then at Esquire before her tenure at Condé Nast. [2]

In March 2015, she was appointed publisher of British GQ across all platforms. [3] 2016 marked her first year as publisher and GQ's most successful year of the last decade. [4] GQ won several digital commercial awards in her tenure.[ citation needed ]

In September 2017, she was appointed publishing director of all British Vogue platforms [5] - the first female publishing director in its over 100-year history. She is the first person of colour in the role and Condé Nast UK's youngest serving Publishing Director. Kingori began her role as Publishing Director of British Vogue in January 2018.

In September 2021, Kingori was promoted to chief business officer [6] across the entire British company, covering all Conde Nast Britain brands – Vogue , GQ , GQ Style , Wired , Vanity Fair , Glamour , Tatler , Johansen's, Conde Nast Traveler , House & Garden and The World of Interiors . This is in addition to continuing her existing responsibilities directly leading British Vogue. She was also appointed as Vogue European Business

Social influence

Kingori is a visiting fellow at the University of the Arts London (UAL), [7] sits on several boards and is a regular public speaker.

She has sat on the judging panel of the Black British Business Awards since 2015. [8] and has been regularly listed as one of the UK's 100 most influential Black Britons by the Powerlist , with her most recent appearance in the 2021 edition. [9] [10]

In January 2017, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan appointed her to his Brexit Advisory Panel, which gives advice following the vote to leave the European Union. [11]

In her work as youth advocate, Kingori sits on UAL's board of directors as a governor and trustee and enjoys a long-standing role as visiting fellow at the University of the Arts London, where she supports and mentors students across the institution's six colleges, which include Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. This is in addition to her key responsibilities giving governance regarding the organisations key business decisions. Kingori was awarded a UAL Honorary Doctorate in 2018 [12] and an Honorary Fellowship from Royal Holloway in 2021. [13]

Kingori's work as diversity proponent includes the judging panel of the Black British Business Awards, the Veuve Clicquot Business Women of The Year Award, [14] The Mayor of London's TFL's diversity in advertising competition. [15] Kingori is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Race Equality Taskforce. [16] In support of women entrepreneurs, she is also part of a microfund Peanut StartHer, which is focused on helping pre-seed entrepreneurs in tech and business, with a particular focus on giving purpose-driven startups, founded by women, their first boost. [17]

#ShareTheMicUK

In October 2020, during the UK's Black History Month, Kingori organised and lead the #ShareTheMic UK campaign to highlight the accomplishments and contribution of high-achieving Black women, using the allyship of successful White women. [18] The project was backed by Instagram and participants included Priya Ahluwalia, Bernardine Evaristo, Bianca Saunders, June Sarpong, Emma Dabiri, Kourtney Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Victoria Beckham, Sheryl Sandberg, Christiane Amanpour and Brooke Shields, with a combined audience of 175 million. The campaign helped to launch several exciting new collaborations, inspiring conversations, books, podcasts and new friendships between unlikely pairings. Kingori said she had never witnessed more meaningful, honest discussions about racial disparity as she has amid the challenges and tragedies of 2020. [18]

Honours and awards

Kingori was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2016 Birthday Honours [19] and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2023 New Year Honours for services to the media industry. [20]

Kingori was awarded the "Media Mogul of the Year" award at the 2017 Black Magic Awards. [21]

In May 2018, Kingori was listed as second on the Financial Times "EMpower 100 Ethnic Minority Leaders" list [22] and she was awarded a Best of Africa Special Award. [23]

In July 2018, Kingori was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from University of the Arts London [24] and she was placed onto The Female FTSE Board Report 2018 "100 Women to Watch" list by Cranfield University. [25]

From 2013 to 2021, Kingori has been regularly listed as one of the UK's 100 most influential Black Britons" by the Powerlist . [9]

In 2020, Kingori topped Campaign's 2020 Trailblazers list alongside British Vogue's Editor-in-chief Edward Enninful. [26]

Related Research Articles

Vogue, also known as American Vogue, is a monthly fashion and lifestyle magazine that covers style news, including haute couture fashion, beauty, culture, living, and runway. It is part of the global collection of Condé Nast's VOGUE media.

<i>GQ</i> American monthly mens magazine

GQ is an international monthly men's magazine based in New York City and founded in 1931. The publication focuses on fashion, style, and culture for men, though articles on food, movies, fitness, sex, music, travel, celebrities' sports, technology, and books are also featured.

Condé Nast is a global mass media company founded in 1909 by Condé Montrose Nast (1873–1942) and owned by Advance Publications. Its headquarters are located at One World Trade Center in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan.

<i>Vogue China</i> Chinese fashion and lifestyle magazine

Vogue China is the Chinese edition of Vogue magazine. The magazine carries a mixture of local and foreign content. The magazine is published by Condé Nast in partnership with the state-owned China Pictorial Publishing House.

<i>Vogue Italia</i> Italian edition of Vogue magazine

Vogue Italia is the Italian edition of Vogue magazine owned by Condé Nast International. In publication since 1964, it has been called the top fashion magazine in the world.

British <i>Vogue</i> British edition of fashion magazine Vogue

British Vogue is a British fashion magazine based in London and first published in 1916. It is the British edition of the American magazine Vogue and is owned and distributed by Condé Nast. Currently edited by Chioma Nnadi, British Vogue is said to link fashion to high society and class, teaching its readers how to 'assume a distinctively chic and modern appearance'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Giles Deacon</span> British fashion designer

Giles David Deacon is a British fashion designer, creative director and founder of Giles Deacon group, a fashion enterprise. Deacon joined the Paris Fashion Week in 2016. Deacon has been known to challenge the traditional ideas of womenswear and often uses wild prints and pop culture references in his designs. Deacon was employed by the fashion houses Bottega Veneta and Gucci, before founding his own label, GILES, in 2003. He launched his first collection for GILES at the 2004 London Fashion Week and was named "Best New Designer" at the British Fashion Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edward Enninful</span> Ghanaian-born English editor and stylist (born 1972)

Edward Kobina Enninful is a Ghanaian-born British editor and stylist who was editor-in-chief of British Vogue and European editorial director of Condé Nast.

<i>GQ</i> (Indian edition) Indian edition of GQ

GQ is the Indian edition of the American monthly men's magazine called GQ. It is the 15th international edition of GQ and is published by Condé Nast India Pvt. Ltd., a 100% owned subsidiary of Condé Nast International. Condé Nast gained 100% ownership after regulatory changes in 2005 permitted 100% foreign direct investment in non-news and current affairs publications. GQ was the second magazine released in India, after Vogue India, that is 100% foreign owned. Condé Nast India is based in Mumbai and also has an office in New Delhi.

Condé Nast Entertainment (CNE) is a production and distribution studio with film, television, social and online video, and virtual reality content.

The Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design is the first educational establishment of the Condé Nast Publications Ltd. in London, UK.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elaine Welteroth</span> American journalist, author and television host

Elaine Marie Welteroth is an American journalist, editor, author, and television host. In April 2016, Welteroth was named editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, making her the second person of African-American heritage in Condé Nast's 107-year history to hold such a title. Her promotion to editor at age 29 makes her the second youngest editor in Condé Nast history, behind former Teen Vogue EIC Lindsay Peoples Wagner who was 28 when she started in the role in Condé Nast. When she became beauty director of Teen Vogue in 2012, Welteroth was the first person of African-American heritage to serve in the role. She is credited for the notable increase of Teen Vogue coverage of politics and social justice, encouraging readers to become civically engaged, specifically during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Under Welteroth's leadership of Teen Vogue's shifting format, the magazine developed its first YouTube channel, featuring content on diverse subjects from campus style to cultural appropriation. The final print edition of Teen Vogue was December 2017.

Richard D. Beckman is a British media and entertainment sales executive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grace Wales Bonner</span> English fashion designer (born 1990)

Grace Wales Bonner is an English fashion designer. Her designs are characterized by a blend of sportswear and tailoring, as well as her interest in infusing everyday wardrobe essentials with a refined elegance. In 2014, she founded the London-based label Wales Bonner, originally specializing in menswear.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albert Read (executive)</span>

Albert Read is the former managing director of Condé Nast Britain, overseeing titles and businesses including British Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, GQ Style, Tatler, Condé Nast Traveller, Glamour, Wired UK, Love, House & Garden, World of Interiors, and Condé Nast Johansens.

The Powerlist is a list of the 100 most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage in the United Kingdom. The list is updated annually and has been published in book format by Powerful Media since 2007. The Powerlist is not limited to British-born citizens and includes immigrants to the UK.

The 2019 Powerlist rankings were released in October 2018 and saw Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. included in the list for the first time, and named Ric Lewis as the most influential individual

The 13th annual Powerlist was judged by a panel chaired by Dame Linda Dobbs and published in October 2019; sponsored by J.P. Morgan & Co., pwc, linklaters and The Executive Leadership Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patricia Kingori</span> British African sociologist

Patricia Kingori is a British Kenyan sociologist who is a professor at the University of Oxford. Her research considers the experiences of frontline health workers around the world. She is particularly interested in misinformation and pseudoscience. In 2015, Kingori was included on the Powerlist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathan Newhouse</span> American publisher (born 1952)

Jonathan Newhouse is a United States-born media executive who has served since 2019 as Chairman of the Board of Conde Nast, publisher of Vogue, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, among other notable publications. Prior to that he served as chairman and Chief Executive of Conde Nast International for nearly three decades.

References

  1. ↑ "Meet the first female Publisher of British GQ and the first black Publisher at Condé Nast UK leading the charge". WeAreTheCity. 8 March 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  2. ↑ https://thisisafrica.me/no-glass-ceiling-kenyan-born-vanessa-kingori-youngest-first-female-publisher-british-gq/ thisisafrica.me, July 2017; Accessed 7 August 2018.
  3. ↑ Conti, Samantha (17 March 2015). "Vanessa Kingori Named Publisher of British GQ". WWD. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  4. ↑ Waters, Renee (29 September 2017). "Interview: Condé Nast's Vanessa Kingori, the newly appointed publisher of Vogue". The Industry. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  5. ↑ Rogers, Sam (25 September 2017). "Vanessa Kingori Confirmed As New British Vogue Publishing Director". Vogue. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  6. ↑ "Vanessa Kingori appointed Chief Business Officer, Condé Nast Britain". www.condenast.com. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  7. ↑ "London College of Fashion Hosts Success Talks: Vanessa Kingori & Emile Vidal Carr". ual.force.com. 18 October 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  8. ↑ "Black British Business Awards Nominations Extended to Tuesday 16th..." The British Blacklist. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  9. 1 2 "Powerlist Interviews". Powerful Media. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  10. ↑ Lavender, Jane (17 November 2020). "Lewis Hamilton ends incredible year top of influential Black Powerlist 2021". mirror. Retrieved 19 January 2021.
  11. ↑ "Mayor unveils panel of experts to advise on Brexit talks". London City Hall. 19 December 2016. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  12. ↑ "Vanessa Kingori MBE". UAL. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  13. ↑ "British Vogue Publishing Director, Vanessa Kingori MBE made an Honorary Fellow of Royal Holloway". Royal Holloway University Of London. 21 May 2021.
  14. ↑ "Finalists Announced for the Bold Woman Award & The Bold Future Award 2020". www.veuveclicquot.com. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  15. ↑ "City Hall and TfL announce diversity in advertising competition winner". London City Hall. 28 January 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  16. ↑ "RCOG welcomes Vanessa Kingori MBE onto Race Equality Taskforce". Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  17. ↑ "StartHER". Peanut. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  18. 1 2 "Black women launch Instagram takeover for UK's Black History Month". the Guardian. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  19. ↑ Roberts, Lauretta (11 June 2016). "Fashion honours: Kingori, Hartmann and Enninful named on Queen's Birthday List". The Industry. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  20. ↑ "No. 63918". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 2022. p. N14.
  21. ↑ Thomas, Ian (24 August 2017). "New annual awards show will honour black women entertainment business education and community. - Black History Month 2018". Black History Month 2018 | Black History Month Celebrating the Great Black British Achievers. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  22. ↑ Bell, Amy (31 May 2018). "UK advertising leader tops ethnic minority executives list". Financial Times. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  23. ↑ Hinds, Rodney (5 May 2018). "Best of Africa: A night of celebration". The Voice. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  24. ↑ "Vanessa Kingori MBE". UAL. 19 July 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  25. ↑ Pryce, Patricia; Graham, Jacey (2018). "The Female FTSE Board Report 2018: 100 Women to Watch" (PDF). Cranfield University.
  26. ↑ "The Lists 2020: Top 10 trailblazers". www.campaignlive.com. 14 December 2020. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
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