Edleen John

Edleen John is a highly accomplished global consultant and business leader who has revolutionised cultural standards across the corporate, public, and charitable sectors. A Cambridge University graduate in Social and Political Sciences, she rose rapidly through the financial sector, starting as an investment banker at Lehman Brothers and later serving as the youngest Vice President in HR for EMEA at Morgan Stanley. During her tenure at KPMG, she was appointed as the Co-Head of Inclusion, Diversity, and Social Equality, becoming the youngest and only Black Director within the firm's People function. Her extensive portfolio spans industries including retail, law, civil service, and sport, where she recently served as the Director of International Relations, Corporate Affairs, and Equality Diversity and Inclusion for The FA. In this capacity, Edleen was instrumental in launching the historic Football Leadership Diversity Code and delivering the organisation’s inaugural Disability plan. Her strategic leadership also guided the sport through major legislative responses to online abuse following the 2020 Men’s Euros and helped secure vital government funding for football infrastructure across the country. Drawing upon her personal experiences with hidden disability, socio-economic challenges, and cross-cultural connectivity, Edleen provides a unique and authentic perspective on modern leadership. She explores the fundamental link between inclusive environments and heightened productivity, highlighting how the employee lifecycle is enhanced when people are placed at the centre of professional strategy. Organisations book Edleen for her ability to translate complex cultural hurdles into practical solutions that foster genuine organisational growth and connectivity. On stage, Edleen John is best known for talks on Diversity & Inclusion, Human Resources, Corporate Affairs and Culture Change. Audiences leave with a clear, practical view of the subject rather than a generic overview — every keynote is shaped around the brief and the room. Their work resonates with leaders across Business & Consulting and HR & People, where the themes translate directly into team decisions, customer experience and growth strategy. Edleen John is regularly booked for Business Speaker and Conference Speaker, adapting tone, length and format to suit the event — from a 20-minute opener to a full conference keynote with Q&A. Based in UK, Edleen John travels internationally for engagements. To check availability or request a tailored brief for your event, send an enquiry and we'll come back with fees, dates and a short summary of how Edleen John would approach your audience.