Non-Executive & Business Advisor
Karen’s retail career spans 30 years across international markets, multiple sectors and disciplines. Her last executive role was as Chief Executive Officer of FTSE retailer Card Factory PLC where she served for 4 1⁄2 years. During her tenure she transformed the business from a High Street retailer to a brand with a significant Digital, International and Wholesaling presence. Prior to this role she was Chief Operating Officer at B&M, where she was accountable for a wide-ranging remit including IT, People, Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain. Previously she served on ASDA Stores Executive Board as Executive Director for Property, Multi-Channel and Format Development. In addition, she served 18 years for BP Oil PLC in their Retail division in various senior roles latterly as UK Retail Convenience
Director.
Having transitioned from an executive role in 2020, Karen now works full time as Non-Executive Director & Chair roles in a portfolio of businesses in both the private & public sector. Her remit is very broad ranging from Digital, Pure-play, B2B, Wholesale, Hospitality & Retailing in addition to undertaking
business advisory services for various boards and mentoring of future executive talent.
Karen has an MBA from the Australian Graduate School of Management and Diploma in Company Direction from The Institute of Directors. She is a passionate advocate for Diversity in the workplace and having relocated to Devon in the last couple of years, she is keen to support local business. Karen enjoys boating, wild swimming, walking, cycling and has two adult daughters. Karen holds non-Executive roles in Headlam Group PLC, St Austell Brewery, and Chairs Character.com & Moteefe.
