Clear Channel takes part in Plan International UK's Girls Takeover 2022

A 20-year-old girl from Lincoln has taken over as CEO for a day at Clear Channel UK as part of activities supported by Plan International UK for International Day of the Girl.

Madelaine took part in the Girls Takeover in Clear Channel's head office in London, taking over from Justin Cochrane, CEO of Clear Channel UK and Europe. She joined the senior leadership team to learn more about the industry and how Clear Channel operates as a business and met with people at different levels of the company to explore Clear Channel ’s work around diversity and inclusion.

The takeover was part of Plan International UK’s activity to celebrate and recognise the power of girls, which saw girls taking over senior positions across the worlds of business, media, technology, and politics.

Madelaine said: “It’s been really insightful. Something I wanted to take from the day was how a business runs on a day-to-day basis, and I’ve done that. I’ve found it really interesting seeing how the company works and strives toward gender equality.

“This puts into perspective two areas I’m really interested in: marketing and gender equality. And as a young female going into the business world, I think it’s really important to take every opportunity like this.”

Justin Cochrane, CEO of Clear Channel UK and Europe, said: “It was great to partner with Plan International UK on the annual Girls Takeover programme. It’s obvious that gender should never be a barrier to success, and we’re keen to play our part, in any way we can, to help break down any barriers. Initiatives like this help to highlight the issue, and spark the continued conversation and action in a positive and interesting way.”

Clear Channel UK joined others including AstraZeneca, Barratt Homes, the Office of National Statistics, and the Financial Times, to celebrate International Day of the Girl by challenging gender stereotypes and showcasing the variety of roles across their organisations.

The takeovers were part of wider activities that included partnerships with Hillary Clinton, astronaut Tim Peake, Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford, Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo, filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, and Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman.

Claire Boulton, Head of UK Programmes at Plan International UK, said: “Girls Takeovers are a celebration of girls occupying spaces where they are rarely seen or heard, so we were thrilled to team up with Clear Channel UK and Justin for this year’s International Day of the Girl. Madelaine did a fantastic job taking over as CEO for the day, and I hope the experience inspires more girls like her to pursue their chosen careers without fear of gender stereotypes holding them back.”