Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner

Karen is one of Europe’s leading talent management specialists and a co-founder of blackswan.  During her time with TMP Worldwide in the 90’s, Karen became a pivotal player in the global ‘war for talent’ throughout the technology boom.  She continues today to personally coach high profile executives with clients that include: Rio Tinto, Nissan, Tata and Nestlé.

Before founding blackswan Karen worked with technology industry leaders, including the BT executive team through the BT / MCI merger, and undertook some politically sensitive and challenging leadership development and talent acquisition assignments.

Karen has worked ‘in-house’ in corporate roles for companies such as Nortel Networks, the global telecoms manufacturing giant, where she was headhunted to drive global Executive Talent Management & Acquisition programmes, for high potential employees.

She works relentlessly throughout the UK, Europe & US to further enhance blackswan’s reputation as a leading edge provider of both practical and strategic people and transformation offerings.

Personal:

Karen has an extensive property portfolio which she continues to manage in the North East of England. 

Throughout the 90’s Karen travelled and worked independently across India, Nepal, Mongolia, Australia, Asia Pac, Philippines, China and Russia.  She continues to travel as extensively as her work allows.

Karen is an avid Newcastle United fan and keen skier. In January of 2009 Karen had her first baby boy and is now becoming adept at balancing motherhood with her professional career.

With a 2:1 degree in Sociology from the University of Surrey, Karen is currently studying Law at the University Of Northumbria