Maria Clarke

Maria says her purpose is to help every business thrive by thinking like entrepreneurs. A highly respected commercial leader with a career spanning senior roles across the media industry, Maria founded JCDecaux UK’s Business Growth division, where she built a multi-million-pound revenue engine, outperforming the media market while also widening access to Out-of-Home advertising from diverse communities. Her impact extends beyond commercial success. Maria created Nurture, supporting over 550 start-ups to scale through media investment and expertise, including 9 unicorns working with brands including Starling Bank, GoCardless, Monday.com, Bumble and Strava, a hugely successful programme which is now running in 13 markets. Maria also founded Reach, championing under-represented communities and brands through partnerships with Google Black Founders Fund and The Diversity Standards Collective. Maria’s work actively contributes to communities. Through JCDecaux’s values-led model, advertising funds vital public infrastructure with 50% of JCDecaux's revenues going back into the community, funding services from bus shelters to life-saving defibrillators. Maria’s team delivers exceptional growth, outperforming the advertising market while also giving back to society. She is recognised by colleagues, customers and peers as a visionary and purpose-driven leader, driving both business success and societal change.