Yvonne Wilks-O'Grady, OBE, JP
BA CQSW DM.
EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO CARIBBEAN CULTURE IN THE UK
Yvonne Wilks-O’Grady is a trailblazing, pioneering figure in the publishing and broadcasting industries in both the UK and Jamaica. She is of Jamaican decent, with a career spans over three decades, marked by remarkable achievements and transformative leadership.
Educated at Westminster University, Yvonne graduated with a BA (Hon). She is a Fellow of the Charter Institute of Marketing and has a DipCam in Communication, laying the foundation for her career in media. In the UK, she excelled in various senior roles., Yvonne began her career at IPC Magazine, where she horned her skills in advertising and publishing. Her subsequent roles included
- Advertisement Manager, Honey Magazine {IPC}
- Sales Manager, Readers Digest
- Publisher, TV Guide {Murdoch Magazine}
- Marketing Director – Voice Newspaper Group
- Publisher, The Weekly Journal [Voice Group]
- Publisher, Pride Magazine
- Advertisement Manager/Publisher, New Woman Magazine {EMAP}
Yvonne left Murdoch Magazine to head up marketing at the Voice Newspaper, at a time when the title was under threat by competing titles. She conceptualised and spearheaded the launch of Weekly Journal and acquired and rebranded Pride Magazine. Her innovative approach and strategic vision propelled the publications to new heights. Returning to mainstream media in 1993 Yvonne joined EMAP Magazine as Advertisement Director of the glossy publication, New Woman Magazine before being promoted to Publisher.
Yvonne was headhunted by Radio Jamaica Limited to head up Marketing and Sales in Jamaica. She was tasked with transforming the organisation into a fully-fledged communications group and she responded to the call by returning home.
In 1998 The RJR Communications Group: A legacy Born. Yvonne played a pivotal role in the birth of RJR Communications Group and the launch of Television Jamaica. The company was rebranded and repositioned as a communication centre of excellence. Television Jamaica {TVJ} introduced locally produced programmes, Smile Jamaica morning programme, Junior School Challenge Quiz. She was commissioning editor for the acclaimed Rising Star. As Commercial Director, she managed the historic LIVE broadcast from London to Jamaica during the 2016 Olympics. Streaming LIVE into TVJ Breakfast programme for 2 weeks.
She conceptualised and launched the yearly publication, Sports World Magazine; Kingston Music Week; RJR Pop Up Café, National Radio Week; RJR Cross Country Invasion and more such innovation. She repositioned and rebrand the RJRGLEANER National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards transforming it to the Caribbean’s most successful sport awards.
In 2021 she launched the UK Weekly Gleaner Honour Awards, recognizing outstanding Jamaican diaspora community achievements.
The RJR Group merged with the Gleaner Media and combined it resources to produce The RJRGLEANER Group. Yvonne current role with the group is that of Consultant – Corporate Affairs & Group Marketing.
Her philanthropic efforts secured millions of dollars for the creation of Genesis Academy, a school for children with disabilities. During 2024 she was recognised for her exceptional contributions to media and charity, with being conferred the Order of the British Empire. {OBE}. She is a Justice of the Peace {JP} for the parish of St Andrew, Jamaica.
Her remarkable journey serves as a testament to her dedication, perseverance, and passion for media excellence. Her legacy will inspire future generations of media professionals, particularly women of colour. Her remarkable journey embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication, making her a deserving recipient of the Black Honour Awards. Yvonne is a widow with three children, Rodel, Lloyd, and Savanna.