LONDON, UK - 30 Dec 2016: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has appointed IBM (NYSE: IBM) executive Caroline Taylor to be an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year 2017 Honours list.

Ms Taylor’s citation notes her services to Marketing, Diversity and the Prevention of Human Trafficking.

Caroline Taylor currently serves as Vice President of Global Marketing and Communications for IBM Sales and Distribution. Originally joining IBM in 1997, Ms. Taylor’s past roles at IBM have included Chief Marketing Officer for IBM Europe, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Citizenship for IBM UK & Ireland, and Director of Marketing for IBM’s consulting services division.

“Caroline Taylor’s appointment as an OBE is a wonderful tribute to an exceptional colleague and leader” said Jon Iwata, senior vice president, IBM Marketing and Communications. “Every day, Caroline exemplifies the values that IBM cherishes. She is a role model to marketers across the profession, and has made major contributions to the causes of diversity, inclusion, and to tackling human trafficking. We are very proud of Caroline’s achievements, and celebrate this recognition of her service in support of others.”

David Stokes, Chief Executive IBM UK & Ireland said, "On behalf of all UK IBMers I want to congratulate Caroline on this tremendous recognition. IBM has been a long serving member of the business community in this country and many IBMers over the years have contributed to important technology, business and social issues during this time. I am very proud of Caroline contributions and pleased to see this long history continue."

Alongside her work at IBM, Ms Taylor plays a leading role in the community of marketing professionals in the UK. She serves as an Adjunct Professor at Imperial College Business School in London, and a Fellow of the UK Marketing Society. She is also known as a committed campaigner for equality and diversity in the workplace, serving as executive sponsor for gender diversity for IBM.

Ms Taylor is a director and trustee of the Oasis Charitable Trust, and chair of the board of trustees of Stop the Traffik, an organisation that coordinates a global coalition against the modern-day slave trade.