Experienced tech-industry veteran Karen Bach has joined Leeds-based outdoor advertising specialist 75Media as chair.
The appointment follows a seven figure investment in 75Media last month from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance, managed by Mercia Ventures as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II). Karen will bring three decades of leadership experience to the UK’s fastest-growing roadside media operator as it looks to cement its position as a tech-driven pioneer in the outdoor advertising industry.
Bach has previously held board positions at 20 fast-growth businesses, mostly in the international technology sector, and across the investor range from angel to private equity to public. She also serves as deep tech editor at The Tech Capital. As chair at 75, her role will involve strategic support, mentoring of the senior team, advice on governance and liaison with key stakeholders.
Bach has strong connections to Yorkshire: she graduated from the University of Bradford in the early 90s and already sits on the board of Shipley-based business Consult Red. She said: “When I join a company, its people are always the key factor in my decision. You need to know it’s a team who can pull together when needed and where there’s trust – and also enjoyment.
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“It soon became apparent to me that 75Media could offer all of that and more. The business is already doing great things, disrupting the sector while continuing to deliver a consistently high-quality service and products for customers. With the focus of Paul and the team on being tech-led, it felt like a very natural fit where I could offer support and advice as the company continues on its meteoric growth path and it’s a role I feel privileged to take on.”
Paul Inman, CEO and founder at 75Media, added: “Having such an experienced chair as Karen join us signals a pivotal point in our growth. We can already see how much she will help us with her inspiring tech insight, but also her vast experience helping businesses to scale up: she has a huge network of connections which can open more doors for us. I believe it’s always helpful to have someone on the board who isn’t involved in the day-to-day, who can take a step back and see the wider picture and challenge us on our ideas and thinking.
“It’s been a busy 2025 already with the launch of our proprietary AI software BOB 2.0 (Billboard Optioning & Booking system); the investment from Mercia; and the launch of Ignite, our membership programme for start-ups and scale-ups. Our focus is on developing groundbreaking technology for the sector, which can help democratise outdoor advertising for all. There’s undoubtedly even more exciting times ahead.”
