Vanessa Kingori
A Trailblazer in Media & Tech
By Peter Davis
Vanessa Kingori OBE is a name that echoes influence, innovation, and integrity across industries. As the Managing Director at Google for Technology, Media, and Telecoms, she stands at the forefront of a digital revolution, leading with clarity and purpose. Her journey, which spans publishing, fashion, and now technology, reflects a deep commitment to transformation, storytelling, and equity.
Born in Kenya and raised in the UK, Vanessa’s perspective is deeply global. Her early fascination with storytelling led her into the world of publishing where she rapidly rose through the ranks. She became a historic figure at British Vogue when she was appointed as the first woman and first person of color to serve as Publishing Director in the magazine’s 100-year history. Later, she became Chief Business Officer at Condé Nast, overseeing some of the most iconic titles in global media. Her leadership helped reshape the business models of legacy publications and ensured they remained relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Vanessa’s time at British Vogue was particularly pivotal. Working alongside Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful, she helped usher in a new era for the magazine, one that celebrated diversity and authenticity. Under their leadership, Vogue covers began to reflect a broader spectrum of beauty, power, and culture. More than just images on glossy pages, their work shifted conversations around representation in fashion, publishing, and beyond. Her influence at Condé Nast expanded across brands, where she championed inclusive hiring, equitable pay, and modern, audience-focused business strategies.
The move to Google was not a departure from her purpose, but a natural evolution. At Google, Vanessa has brought her media expertise and passion for innovation into a realm where technology amplifies stories and scales ideas to reach billions. She understands that in today’s digital age, technology is not just a tool, but a powerful cultural force. Her role at Google allows her to partner with global clients, helping them navigate transformation with intention and creativity.
Throughout her career, Vanessa has led with strong values. Integrity, empathy, and intentionality are at the core of her leadership style. She believes that leadership is a service, one that is less about authority and more about creating environments where people feel empowered to thrive. Her ability to lead high-performing teams while staying grounded in authenticity has earned her admiration across industries.
Vanessa’s commitment to diversity is not a side project, but a central pillar of her work. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating spaces where she was often the only person of color, she has consistently worked to open doors for others.
From boardroom decisions to mentorship programs, she advocates for systemic change that benefits underrepresented voices. Her efforts have proven that inclusivity and business excellence are not mutually exclusive, but deeply intertwined.
Recognition for her work came in 2016 when she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the media industry. The honor was a milestone, not only for her personally but for the countless individuals she has inspired along the way. It symbolized the impact of her leadership and the growing recognition that the future of business lies in diversity, innovation, and purpose.
Balancing high-pressure roles with well-being is something Vanessa takes seriously. She values boundaries, reflection, and sustainability in her work ethic. She openly speaks about the importance of rest, family, and mental clarity as tools for better decision-making. For her, leadership is not just about output, but about longevity and quality.
Her approach to social media is equally thoughtful. She uses platforms like Instagram not only to share professional highlights, but also personal reflections and joyful moments. Her digital presence blends elegance, intelligence, and honesty, offering a multidimensional view of leadership. In doing so, she dismantles outdated notions of what success should look like and encourages a new generation to lead on their own terms. Vanessa is not only a business leader, but also a mentor, a storyteller, and a builder of legacies.
She is actively involved in initiatives to support underrepresented talent in both media and technology. Her focus remains on creating impact, whether that is through mentoring young professionals, shaping the future of digital communication, or advising global brands on responsible innovation.
For Vanessa, success is not merely a personal milestone, but a shared experience. It is about lifting others as she rises, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices, and building systems that are more just, dynamic, and inclusive. Her story is one of vision and resilience, but also one of community and collaboration.
From the pages of Vogue to the algorithms of Google, Vanessa Kingori OBE has carved out a space that is bold, necessary, and deeply influential. Her legacy is not just one of firsts, but of lasting change. And as she continues to lead across industries, one thing remains clear — her work is far from over. She is not simply navigating the future, she is shaping it.
