Emma Keenan joined ICOM in 2015 as Executive Director where her role is to lead and manage the network’s affairs, ensure member satisfaction and growth and bring new business to the organization.
Prior to this, Emma was the Vice President and Partner of an independent media relations and digital agency, based in Paris, where she handled international business development.
She also helped to set up the agency’s Chinese subsidiary and was responsible for overseeing its portfolio of Asian clients, regularly providing media and crisis communication training to companies in China looking to communicate internationally.
Emma was also responsible for creating the agency’s media training and digital communication departments and played a key role in rolling out these services on a pan European and international level.
Between 1999 and 2005, Emma was a media trainer in Paris and also held various positions as media trainer and business English teacher in Argentina and Spain between 1995 and 1999.
Emma is British and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature. Fluent in English, French and Spanish, she lives in Paris with her French husband and two young, Star Wars-mad sons.
Emma is a member of PWN, the Global Professional Women’s Network.
Country/State: I'm British (a proud Yorkshire lass) but live and work in Paris, France (a proud European).
The music in my headphones… It’s an eclectic mix but you’ll always find something from Kate Bush and Gil Scott Heron in there.
What I’d like my clients to say about me… She always finds a solution to our problems. But I’d also settle for: We really enjoy working with her.
My commitment… To bring added value to ICOM’s members and to take the network to a new level of collaboration and service offering.
My everyday mission… To find a balance between having a busy job and raising a young family of (very) energetic boys.
My hidden talent… I’ve watched Star Wars with my eldest son so many times now that I’m able to recite entire scenes. Granted, not a very useful talent in this job…
A sport… Running. It’s the best way to clear your head. And I love watching a good rugby match.
To make a name for yourself you have to… Work hard, follow your gut instinct, accept good advice when it’s offered but not let yourself be swayed by other people’s opinions.
