In parallel, Lord Allen serves as Advisory Chair to Moelis & Company in Europe and Chair of the Invictus Games Foundation, reflecting his continued engagement in both corporate and philanthropic leadership. He is also an active member of the House of Lords including through his work on the Communications and Digital Committee.

His executive career included some of the UK’s most prominent media leadership roles. As CEO of Granada Group and later Executive Chair of Granada Media, he played a pivotal role in the formation of ITV plc, where he served as CEO from 2003 to 2007. He subsequently led EMI Music as Executive Chair during a critical period of restructuring between 2008 and 2010.

His previous non-executive roles also include Tesco plc (1999-2010), Virgin Media, Endemol, and Chair of ISS A/S (2013-2021). He also served as an advisor to Goldman Sachs Private Equity and Chair of 2 Sisters Food Group.

Beyond the boardroom, Lord Allen has played a central role in major national events and public service. He was Chair of the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, Vice-Chair of the successful London 2012 Olympic Bid, and a member of its organising committee. He also acted as Chief Adviser to the Home Office (2007-2008), bringing private sector thinking to public policy.

He brings deep cross-sector expertise in:

• Infrastructure & construction – strategic oversight of capital investment, delivery and ESG in complex national projects

• Media & consumer engagement – transforming legacy brands and platforms in an evolving digital landscape

• Governance & stakeholder relations – strengthening board effectiveness and investor confidence in public and private markets

Lord Allen was appointed CBE in 2003 and received a knighthood in 2012 for services to the creative and media industries. He became a life peer in 2013. With a career defined by pragmatism, clarity and institutional reform, he continues to support leaders navigating complexity, reputation and long-term transformation.