Annika Allen | London, UK
Head of Diversity and Inclusion
Growing up in Birmingham, a multicultural yet segregated city, I yearned for stories that reflected my identity. My early exposure to Black excellence during a trip to Jamaica and subsequent enrolment in a pan-African Saturday school ignited my passion for media and storytelling. Determined to challenge limiting narratives, I pursued journalism and television production, despite lacking industry connections.
As a teenager, I gained experience in local radio and print media in Birmingham before relocating to London to study and further my career. Overcoming numerous barriers, I established myself in the media industry, driven by a commitment to inclusivity and representation.
My career began in television and journalism, where I contributed to numerous factual and entertainment programs at renowned companies like Cactus TV, TalkbackThames, Maverick, and RDF Television and had a successful publishing company. These roles honed my skills in content creation, storytelling, and talent development and I became deeply committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and sharing untold stories. This passion for inclusivity naturally led me to the field of DEI.
Today, as Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at All3Media, I lead the group's DEI strategy, collaborate with our 50 production companies, HR, and talent teams, and contribute to sector-wide initiatives. My role involves updating policies, representing All3Media on DEI panels, monitoring diversity data, and partnering with specialists to provide resources, training and best practices.
I’ve focused on creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging through strategic programmes and training initiatives. First and foremost, I established a DE&I advisory group, bringing together diverse voices to contribute to and implement collaboration on DE&I efforts. This collaborative approach ensures that our efforts are rooted in the unique needs and challenges of each company within the Group. I’ve spearheaded the development of Diversity Network Associations (DNAs), which serve as employee-led groups dedicated to supporting and facilitating personal and professional growth.
We will only get seismic shifts when we work collaboratively, so I have been instrumental in bringing together DEI leads in TV to establish a working group so that we can build relationships, share best practices and resources and have regular meetings.
Before joining All3Media, I worked at Barclays in Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. One of my significant achievements was crafting and managing Barclays' inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report, I featured on the front cover and also won a We Are the City Awards for my work in Diversity. I also spearheaded the Power of Allies Toolkit, an essential resource that fosters a sense of belonging among colleagues by encouraging conscious, positive actions. Recognizing the importance of difficult yet crucial conversations, I designed "Courageous Conversations," a global monthly thematic webcast and podcast series aimed at facilitating meaningful dialogue and empowering colleagues to listen, learn, and speak up constructively.
Beyond the corporate world, I co-founded The Black Magic Awards, an annual ceremony celebrating and honouring changemakers in the Black community. This event provides a platform for stories of triumph and inspires the next generation of talent. Additionally, I co-founded Black Leaders in TV, a community platform dedicated to fostering connection, collaboration, and the advancement of talent within the industry. Our objectives include providing professional development opportunities through workshops and masterclasses, facilitating relationships with industry leaders, and creating a supportive community where Black talent can collaborate and share resources and have a safe space.
Another initiative close to my heart is "Join Our Table," which celebrates Black British women and creates visibility for them in media, advertising, and communications. I am one of the co-founders of this initiative which addresses the crucial gap in representation, particularly in panel discussions and judging panels, providing an immediate response to the lack of visibility.
My professional journey is driven by purpose. I am deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment where every voice is valued and celebrated. Through positive thinking, intentional action, and a dedication to championing diversity, I am manifesting meaningful change and contributing to a more equitable future for all.
