Edleen John

Edleen John is a renowned diversity and inclusion consultant and an inspiring keynote speaker, known for her impactful work across various sectors. She served as the International, Corporate Affairs, and Co-Partner for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Director at the Football Association (FA). In this role, Edleen leads on developing public policy messaging and oversees the implementation of the FA’s diversity and inclusion strategy, working closely with different levels of English football and other international governing bodies. Her extensive background in organisational change, human resources, and corporate affairs makes her a highly sought-after speaker on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

With a Masters in Psychiatry and Psychology from Kings College London, Edleen began her career in the financial services sector, where she worked her way up to senior leadership roles in major organisations such as KPMG, Lloyds of London, and Morgan Stanley. At Morgan Stanley, she spent six years as Vice President across Diversity and Inclusion, Graduate Recruitment, and Lateral Recruitment, gaining valuable experience in both revenue-generating and support functions. She later became the Head of Inclusion, Diversity, and Social Equality at KPMG, where she was the youngest and only black director in the ‘people’ function, highlighting her trailblazing role in promoting diversity in the corporate world.

Beyond her role at the FA, Edleen is actively involved in several organisations and boards that champion diversity and inclusion. She serves as a non-executive Director of the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, a School Governor at a community school for young people with disabilities, and is part of the DIAL (Diverse Inclusive Aspirational Leaders) community. Her commitment to social equity is further demonstrated by her directorship at Tech Talent Charter, a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving diversity in the UK’s tech sector. These roles reflect her dedication to promoting inclusivity and supporting underrepresented groups across various fields.

Edleen’s remarkable contributions have been recognised through numerous accolades, including the Football Black List Top 100, Yahoo! Finance Empower Top 100 Ethnic Minority Future Leaders, and the ‘We Are The City’ Rising Star in HR and Recruitment award. She has also been named one of the Top Ten BAME Inspirational Leaders and was shortlisted for a National Diversity Award as a Positive Age Role Model. As a keynote speaker, Edleen is known for her engaging and thought-provoking style, offering audiences unique insights into culture change, leadership, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. Her personal experiences, professional achievements, and passion for social equality make her an exceptional choice for any event seeking to inspire and educate on these crucial topics.