August 2, 2022
In its forthcoming summer issue, Savoy Magazine — part of Savoy Media Group — has named Karriem Shakoor to its 2022 list of Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America. Shakoor, the senior vice president and chief information officer (CIO) at UL Solutions, was selected for his exemplary accomplishments within the company and his extensive community involvement.
Savoy Magazine’s annual lists recognize influential executives in human resources, information technology, real estate, finance, investment banking, diversity, foundations, procurement, business development, marketing, sales, healthcare, manufacturing and legal. Nominees lead by example through their active business presence and community service.
“In this issue, we assembled an elite representation of African American men and women who have been recognized for their executive and business leadership in national and global-leading corporations,” said L.P. Green, II, publisher of Savoy Magazine. “These innovative trailblazers have led efforts to foster growth for some of the country’s highest-performing companies throughout and beyond the U.S. market.”
Shakoor’s leadership at UL Solutions
Karriem Shakoor leads the information technology (IT) organization at UL Solutions during a time of significant transformation, technology innovation, and the development of impactful employee and customer experiences. He has helped to drive an operating model evolution at UL Solutions designed to transform the company’s commercial operations. In 2021, his organization launched the first satisfaction improvement program for IT colleagues in the company’s history — one which has already significantly increased employee engagement.
Shakoor credits the improved ability of UL Solutions to integrate acquired companies for a related reduction in accounting and closing processes. “We’re using technology and developing our own in a way that makes us a strong partner. IT is truly helping UL Solutions to function more fluidly as a company,” Shakoor said.
Shakoor’s work in the community
Karriem Shakoor’s influence and ability to push for meaningful change also extend to the broader community. He believes in providing and creating opportunities for others and supports several organizations in this work.
As a board chair for Techbridge Girls, Shakoor is helping the group provide educational opportunities, mentorship and advocacy for underprivileged girls of color who are interested in pursuing potential science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. He is also a board member of Chicago United, a group dedicated to increasing minority representation in executive leadership and on corporate boards in Chicago and throughout the United States.
Savoy is not alone in recognizing UL Solutions and Shakoor this year. For his leadership, innovation and community commitment, ChicagoCIO named him the winner of ChicagoCIO’s 2022 CIO of the Year® ORBIE® Award in his category. He received this award at a ceremony on May 13, 2022.
Embodying broader goals
At UL Solutions, we believe in fostering a culture where employees are empowered to share their talents, ideas, experiences and passions. Shakoor understands that a diverse workforce means the company can better serve its customers worldwide. He is one of the executive sponsors of the Black Business Resource Group at UL Solutions, an employee-led group dedicated to accelerating the company’s commitment to Black employees as well as those with diverse backgrounds and skillsets.
“By engaging a diverse workforce, we bring diverse ideas to the table,” Shakoor said. “This helps us ensure we’re meeting the needs of a broad set of customers. As a global company, embracing diversity can help us understand our customers’ complex needs and how to meet them. And employees are happier in a workplace where they are not just accepted but embraced.”
Working with integrity and maintaining a focus on quality is essential to the success of UL Solutions and its customers. Shakoor consistently demonstrates these attributes in his work at UL Solutions and has significantly impacted the company. We are proud of his efforts to provide opportunities for others within the larger community. Please join UL Solutions in congratulating Karriem Shakoor on this recent recognition from Savoy Magazine.