Joanna Shields

Biography

Baroness Joanna Shields OBE is a tech visionary and has been instrumental in the success of Facebook and Google and the driving force behind a range of innovative tech used by millions around the world – including AI.

Joanna ran Facebook in Europe, Middle East & Africa as Vice President and Managing Director. She also worked as director of Syndication & Partnerships for Google.

Her shrewd, sharp business sense drove the success of early social networking site Bebo which attracted 50 million active users before being sold for $850m to Aol Time Warner.

She also pioneered huge innovations in online video content long before Netflix.

Joanna’s deep knowledge of tech caught the eye of the government and she was appointed the UK Government’s first-ever Minister for Internet Safety and Security and Digital Economy Advisor to the Prime Minister.

She also served as UK Ambassador for Digital Industries and Special Representative on Internet Harms and Crimes.

As an expert in artificial intelligence, Baroness Shields developed special products to identify extremist and harmful content online and founded the WeProtect Global Alliance which combats online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Joanna believes AI can benefit all in society. She was elected co-chair of the Global Partnership on AI and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on the Future of AI.

Her remarkable career in tech earned Joanna an OBE for services to digital industries and voluntary service to young people.

As an experienced, engaging and highly sough-after keynote speaker Joanna has addressed the Royal Society and Prince’s Trust as well as many other high profile events.