Karl has been at Yeo Valley for over 28 years and was, until June 2020, the Chairman of the production arm of the business, having been the Managing Director prior to that, and the Finance, Procurement and IT Director before that. He is now the non exec Chair of YV Farms Ltd and YV Ltd. Outside of Yeo Valley Karl is a non exec Director of the Royal Bath and West Society's Enterprise Board and provides some consultancy services to other businesses in the South West.
Prior to joining Yeo Valley, Karl served in the British Army in the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment and worked in the quarrying industry in the South West.
Karl is the Chair of the Great South West Pan Regional Partnership and a Commissioner and Vice Chair of the SW Social Mobility Commission.
Alongside his professional world, Karl focuses his voluntary efforts on trying to improve opportunities for young people. Currently Karl is the Chair of South Bristol Youth, a charity working with pupils from schools across Bristol and Somerset to help them understand the opportunities and pathways open to them post-education and helping to develop their skills and confidence to be able to realise their potential. Karl also sits on the governing body of Yeovil College. Previously, Karl was a trustee and treasurer of Young Bristol for 11 years until 2018.
Karl has three grown-up children who are dispersed across the country. Karl lives in Trull near Taunton with his partner, her daughter and their dog Max and cat Rexy.