A new strategy is reported that allows direct access to C-11-labelled aryl methyl ketones by a fast and efficient (carbonyl) cobalt-mediated protocol employing [C-11] methyl iodide as the labelling agent. The method uses Co2CO8 as combined aryl halide activator and carbon monoxide source for the carbonylation reaction. The suitability of the methodology was demonstrated by the C-11-labelling of a set of functionalised arenes and heteroarenes with radiochemical conversions (RCC) ranging from 22 % to 63 %.