Karen Starns is CEO of OJO Canada, a powerful real estate platform acquired by Royal Bank of Canada in early 2023. The AI-fueled experience helps more Canadians realize their homeownership goals by bringing together insights-based guidance, industry experts, and financial resource support.

An award-winning technology and real estate industry executive, most recently, Karen was Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at OJO. Her outstanding track record of building global brands, driving growth, and solving complex business challenges has been shaped by more than 25 years in tech, including two leadership stints at Amazon, 13 years at Microsoft, and a global role at Pearson.

Karen is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, a lecturer in the McCombs School of Business Master of Science in Marketing program, and Chair of the Master of Science in Marketing Advisory Council. She is a Fast Company Executive board member, speaker, juror, and award-winning marketer. Embracing an entrepreneurial dream in 2020, she founded House Arrest Goods, a culinary startup producing finishing salts and aromatic bitters.

Karen is a board member of the Miracle Foundation, an international nonprofit that aims to empower vulnerable children to reach their full potential. She is also an active mentor of women and up-and-coming leaders, including the CEOs of two social enterprises — Cielo Hammocks in Mexico and Sosai Renewable Energies in Nigeria.