Annika Allen

Annika Allen Gray is a trailblazer in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) with a proven track record of driving meaningful change across the finance, creative, and media industries. As Head of DE&I at All3Media—a global production powerhouse with 40+ production companies—she architects and implements strategic initiatives that foster inclusive cultures, establish equitable frameworks, and empower underrepresented talent.

With roots in television and journalism, Annika built her expertise through roles at Cactus TV, TalkbackThames, Maverick, and RDF Television. Her enduring commitment to amplifying unheard voices and untold stories has defined her career trajectory.

Before joining All3Media, Annika made significant contributions to global DE&I at Barclays. She crafted and managed Barclays’ inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Annual Report and spearheaded the creation of the widely embraced Power of Allies Toolkit—an internal resource that nurtures a sense of belonging among colleagues. Recognising the importance of difficult conversations for workplace success, she also designed Courageous Conversations, a global monthly webcast and podcast series that empowers colleagues to listen, learn, speak up, and challenge constructively.

Beyond corporate achievements, Annika’s entrepreneurial vision has launched groundbreaking platforms. Annika co-founded The Black Magic Awards—an annual ceremony celebrating trailblazers from the Black community—and Black Leaders in TV, a platform dedicated to fostering connection, collaboration, and career advancement within the industry. She is also the co-founder of Join Our Table; a groundbreaking initiative established by eight influential Black British women to celebrate and champion Black women in the UK advertising and media industry. Join Our Table acts as a vibrant hub and resource for allies and partners, amplifying the achievements of Black women, enhancing their visibility, and creating pathways for greater access to opportunities.

A compelling speaker and thought leader, Annika regularly shares insights at global conferences and industry events. Her collaborative approach and ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups—from C-suite executives to creatives, celebrities, and influencers—has earned her recognition as one of the most inspirational Black British women by The Metro.

Annika’s mission remains unwavering: creating pathways for professionals from underrepresented communities to thrive, transforming equitable access to opportunity from exception to standard.