Edelman, the global communications firm, has appointed Esther Odejimi- Uzokwe as a member of the UK’s Advisory Board.
Esther is currently Programme Director of 10,000 Black Interns, an organisation that offers paid work experience, training, and mentorship to help provide the foundation for more young Black people to pursue careers in business. She has grown the programme from initially serving the investment management and finance industry, to working with over 700 businesses across a broad spectrum of industries and sectors. Previously, Esther founded Opened Palm in 2015, with the focus of increasing the pipeline of Black, state-comprehensive educated students into Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group institutions. She graduated from Oxford University in 2017 with an undergraduate degree in Theology and Religion. Following this, she joined Goldman Sachs as an Equity Derivatives Investment Banker. Esther also sits on the board of Intermission Youth (Theatre).
Esther will join Edelman UK’s esteemed team of advisors which includes Sir John Sawers, Former Chief of MI6; Dame Helena Morrisey, Founder of the 30% Club; Lord John Brown, Former CEO, BP; Tina Brown, CEO, Tina Brown Media; Anji Hunter, for Advisor to Prime Minister Tony Blair; and Dr Chris Brauer, technologist and lecturer.
Ruth Warder, CEO, Edelman UK said:
“We partnered closely with Esther last summer when Edelman took part in the 10,000 Black Interns programme and we were blown away by her passion, drive and commitment to diversifying the talent in the business community. Through joining our UK Advisory Board, we will benefit from Esther’s sharp insight and experience to help us ensure we attract the best and most diverse talent, and that Edelman is A place where they can thrive.”
Esther Odejmi-Uzokwe, Programme Director, 10,000 Black Interns said: “I have been consistently impressed with the acumen and pioneering thinking that has been displayed by the Edelman team and its leadership. I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Edelman UK Advisory Board. I look forward to taking what was already a fantastic working relationship to even deeper depths and higher heights, whilst drawing upon key learnings from my career, insights and personal experiences to add value to the strategic direction and culture of this industry-leading organisation.”
