Karl Simons

Co-founder & Chief Futurist at FYLD

Karl Simons OBE has a diverse and extensive work experience spanning various industries and leadership roles. Starting in 1990, they served in the British Army for 13 years, where they progressed to the position of Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Manager, responsible for safety, security, and operational delivery.

In 2003, Karl joined Carillion Plc as a Health, Safety & Environmental Senior Manager, working with project leaders and directors to develop strategies for accident reduction. Karl later joined Babcock Rail & Facilities Management as the Group National Head of Safety, Quality & Environment, responsible for leading a corporate team and supporting a network of safety practitioners.

As EHSQ Director at Carillion PLC, based in Oman, Karl provided direction and leadership in health & safety, environment, quality, and systems. Karl oversaw a large team and supported functional leaders, ensuring smooth operations across a diverse portfolio of contracts.

From 2009 to 2011, Karl was Director Of Construction & EHSQ at Hyder Consulting PLC, responsible for the strategic direction of the organization in health & safety, quality & systems, sustainability, and construction supervision. Karl also led the global sustainability strategy and the health & safety management system.

Joining Transfield Services PLC in 2011, Karl served as Director HSEQ and was part of the global HSEQ leadership team. Karl had direct responsibility for the Middle East, Asia, and Pacific region, overseeing joint venture partnerships and subsidiary companies in various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, oil, gas, and mining.

In 2012, Karl joined Thames Water as the Chief Health, Safety & Security Officer, overseeing all aspects of health, safety, and security until May 2021. Karl served as a Non-Executive Director for Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP) starting from 2016.

Currently, Karl is the Co-founder & Chief Futurist at FYLD since May 2021. Karl also holds an advisory role at the Cabinet Office, beginning in November 2021.

Karl Simons OBE has a diverse education history. Karl started their education journey in 2003 and graduated in 2008 with a Master's degree in Environmental Management & Health and Safety from the University of the West of Scotland. In 2014, they attended the University of Cambridge and studied Health, Safety & Security, although the specific degree obtained is not mentioned.

In the same year, Karl Simons OBE also attended Hult Ashridge for a Senior Executive Programme. This program likely provided him with specialized knowledge in their field.

Continuing their executive education, in 2023, Karl Simons OBE completed a program on Digital Strategy at Harvard Business School Executive Education. This program equipped him with skills related to digital strategies in the business world.

Moreover, Karl Simons OBE has obtained certifications from various institutions. In 2006, they earned the CMIOSH certification from IOSH, indicating their expertise in occupational safety and health. Additionally, in 2016, they earned the MIoD certification from the Institute of Directors Young Directors Forum - Central London Branch, signifying their competence as a director.

Karl Simons OBE also took part in several courses at the Institute of Directors (IoD). In 2014, they studied the Role of the Director and the Board, followed by Strategy for Directors in 2015, and Finance for Non-Finance Directors in 2016.

Although not mentioned in the provided information, there is a possibility that Karl Simons OBE also holds a Bachelor's degree, as they pursued a Master's degree after completing their undergraduate studies. However, specific details about their Bachelor's degree are not available.

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Timeline

  • Co-founder & Chief Futurist

    May, 2021 - present