Karen brings over two decades of senior technology and operational leadership across both regulated industries and the not-for-profit sector. Her career spans roles in housing associations and charities through to prominent positions in major financial institutions, including Aviva and WTW. Most recently, she served as an executive board member at Velonetic where she led complex transformation programmes and technology delivery.
Recognised as one of the UK’s top 100 technology leaders with repeated inclusion in the prestigious CIO 100 (2021, 2023, and 2024), Karen brings her ability to drive high-impact digital transformation to the Group, while also maintaining the strong focus on people, performance, and purpose that the Society prides itself in. She is passionate about harnessing technology to enhance outcomes for customers, colleagues, and the broader organisation.
As a certified coach and advocate for inclusive leadership, Karen is particularly focused on supporting mid-career professionals with life and career progression. She is a frequent public speaker on technology, diversity, and inclusion - especially championing women in tech - and has been a longstanding supporter of apprenticeships and widening access to technology careers.
The Board will benefit from Karen’s passion for cultivating trust-based, high-performance cultures, and belief in empowering individuals to thrive by playing to their strengths. Her people-first philosophy underpins her approach to leadership and Board governance, aligning seamlessly with Newcastle Building Society’s ethos.