After a successful career as a senior officer in the British Army, promoting excellence, development, achievement, and diversity, Karen spent twelve years working for The British Council, creating international opportunities and building trust and engagement through education, training, and cultural relations. She succeeds the company’s founding joint CEOs, Liz Willis OBE and Jenny Daisley OBE.

Liz Willis commented, "Jenny and I are delighted with Karen's appointment and wish her every success. She's already familiar with the company and, as a client, has been an enthusiastic advocate of our programmes."

Through the British Council, Karen introduced the award-winning Springboard Women's Development Programme in the Middle East. Indeed, Karen has first-hand experience of the positive impact the Springboard programme has had on more than 17,000 women, along with the network of trainers, across the Middle East and North Africa.