Biography
Karl is the Head of Governance for RSM and has over 25 years of combined experience in accountancy, business and strategic development.
Karl works with boards and senior executives in the private, public and voluntary sectors. He has held several board positions across a number of sectors over the last two decades, and is a current board member of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and Co-Chair of the West Midlands Branch of ICSA.
As an experienced chair and committee member, Karl has led organisations through mergers, developing and redefining their corporate strategies and completely redesigning governance structures. He has acted as a consultant to chairs and CEOs of companies of all sizes.
Karl has exceptional insight into corporate governance solutions. A seasoned non-executive, Karl’s expertise in governance alongside his qualified accountant status makes him a sought-after adviser and board member both locally and internationally. He is a fellow of CGI: The Chartered Governance Institute (the global international body for governance professionals), and the author of several books on governance issues. Karl also wrote the RACE Equality Code and has been instrumental in its development nationally.
He has developed a unique governance framework and quality mark that was endorsed by the late Sir Adrian Cadbury and that has been delivered to more than 100 organisations across the UK.
Karl is well respected in the business community, and regularly features on power lists. He was one of the first winners of the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year award, was among the founders of the Young Directors Forum at the Institute of Directors, and is a founder member the Association of Corporate Governance Practitioners.
"I am the guy who gets ‘tingly’ about corporate governance. I see the principles of good governance in all aspects of life, but more importantly in every size and jurisdiction of business. I like to take quite complicated theories, concepts and governance codes and communicate the key principles clearly so that they are easily understood and can be used practically. I enjoy helping board members to be more effective because I believe that the buck stops at the top. If we want to see successful businesses that are resilient and sustainable, we need to work with the leadership."
Karl is married with three boys. With the youngest just leaving his teenage years, Karl and his wife are looking forward to the next season of life where they can enjoy more travel, more fine dining and more new experiences.
Karl’s RSM timeline:
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2022: Joined RSM as Head of Governance
Press and appearance highlights:
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Achiever of the Year (Black Business in Birmingham) - 1999
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Birmingham Young Professional of the Year - 2002
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Carlton TV Young Business Midlander of the Year - 2002
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Top 100 Movers & Shakers in the African Caribbean Community - 2000
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Who’s Who in Birmingham - 2003
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MBE - 2004
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Star Award – inspiring role model - 2005
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Power 50 West Midlands Birmingham Post/Birmingham Future - 2007
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Endorsement for Governance Assessment Process (GAP) - 2010
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West Midlands Police Authority – Community Award - 2011
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AJN Local Hero Award - 2014
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Birmingham Post 250 List - 2017
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The PowerList - 2017
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Football Black List - 2017
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Honorary Doctorate - 2018