Karen Taylor

Karen Taylor is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in merchandising and marketing across various industries. Currently serving as Chief Merchandising Officer at Direct Group Pty Ltd since November 2023, Karen previously held the role of Commercial Director at WHSmith, where leadership encompassed buying and marketing in the travel retail space, focusing on store re-openings and new concept development. A strong background includes positions such as Regional Senior Director at Universal Pictures, where strategic growth in the toy market was achieved, and Vice President at Toys"R"Us, leading merchandise and marketing strategies in Japan and delivering significant financial results. Earlier career roles included impactful contributions at Big W and positions at Brady Corporation and Telstra. Karen holds an MBA in Marketing from Western Sydney University.