• Welcome to Karen Ellis Consultancy where we truly believe in doing things differently.

    With over 40 years of experience in business planning, mentoring, and insurance guidance, I’ve had the privilege of guiding leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs to build stronger businesses and more secure futures.

    I believe in one simple truth:

    “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”

    That’s why my work focuses on helping people turn ideas into results, navigate challenges with clarity, and protect what matters most to each of them.

    I’ve managed programmes for some of the world’s leading sports & entertainment companies and commercial brands in the London insurance market. I’ve also delivered specialist insurance solutions for organisations operating in some of the most hostile territories worldwide.

    I have built a long and successful career as a female leader in the insurance industry, holding senior executive roles including CEO, Founder, Managing Director, and Divisional Director at leading Lloyd’s brokers.

    In 1996, along with my business partner, we acquired the entire shareholding of TL Clowes and Company Limited and in 2011, I founded Ellis Clowes, a Lloyd’s broker. I’ve also held board member and senior leadership positions with THB, Integro and A J Gallagher.

    Along the way, I’ve led strategic transformations, delivered ambitious business plans, guided M&A transactions and built high-performing global teams. My leadership style blends exceptional commercial acumen with an innate emotional intelligence. I fully believe in fostering cultures that nurture real talent that contributes to achieving impressive results for boards, employees, clients and stakeholders alike.

    Beyond insurance & commerce, I am passionate about mentoring and helping young professionals start or grow their career. I have also supported disadvantaged children through my charity work and guided them towards a positive future.

    My Expertise

    Strategic Leadership & Business Transformation
    Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
    Mentorship & Team Development
    Revenue Growth & Sales Strategy
    Global Insurance Expertise
    Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Building
    Innovation & Product Development
    Extensive Professional Network
    People-First Business Culture
    Risk Management & Insurance Guidance

    An insight into the old day job

    Please drop me an email to find out more about working together

    Get in touch

    “I have known Karen for some time from when I worked in F1, and continued to stay in touch when I moved into Women’s Football. I can attest to her professionalism, strong leadership abilities, and extensive insurance expertise. She consistently goes above and beyond to serve clients’ needs, demonstrating both dedication and integrity. Her boundless energy is uplifting and combined with her approachable manner, makes her a highly effective and respected professional.”

    Zarah Al-Kudcy, CRO, Barclay’s Womens Super League

    “I first met Karen in 2010 when she set up Ellis Clowes &Co Ltd and helped her gain FCA Authorisation. I then worked with her for the next 6 years helping with regulatory issues and watched the company grow from strength to strength. I was very impressed with her wide range of contacts and her professionalism and commitment to her clients. It was a sad day for me when she sold the business but I was delighted for her well-earned success. We have kept in touch and I wish her well in her new venture which I am sure will be equally as successful.”

    Ray Stibbards, CEO, Stibbards Consultancy Limited

    “I am so pleased Karen is to continue to offer her deep insurance knowledge to support clients whose risk needs are specialist. Passing on her knowledge to those wishing to forge an insurance career in the specialist sector is a great thing to do. I worked with Karen when she kindly invited me to join her Board at Ellis Clowes, and have been a client for 30 years, throughout my racing career, and beyond to my business life. I know firsthand just how capable she is. Her expertise, contacts, generosity and dedication to clients is well known. We have become friends through our business association and that too is something I value very much.”

    Mark Blundell, CEO MB Partners, F1, Indy Car Driver & Le Mans 24 Hour Winner