Karl was one of the founders of Shortlist Media in Summer 2007, alongside Strategy & International Director Tim Ewington, Editorial Director Phil Hilton, Creative Director Matt Phare and Chief Executive Mike Soutar.
In his new role, Karl takes full strategic, management and financial responsibility for the men's portfolio – ShortList, ShortList.com and Mr Hyde – with a brief to accelerate the growth of each brand and develop a powerful portfolio to expand their share of the sector. Editors of the men’s titles will continue to report to editorial director Phil Hilton who will assist Karl on those brands. Karl will also oversee talent training and development across Shortlist Media and manage the technical and digital build team. In addition, Karl will more formally deputise for CEO Mike Soutar.
Mike says: “With his commercial nous and hard work, Karl has overseen dramatic revenue growth from a standing start eight years ago to £24m per annum today. He has been personally responsible for hiring award-winning teams and leading some of the finest commercial and publishing operators in the UK. As well as his commercial responsibilities Karl has also overseen the growth of our web businesses and has presided over the development of a thriving in-house technical team. I am delighted to reward his commitment with this promotion which will make the very best of his executive and management skills.”
Karl's increased general management responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer means that he will move away from the day to day responsibility of managing the commercial arm of the business when he undertakes his new role on April 27th. Shortlist Media is creating the new role of Group Commercial Director, reporting to the CEO, to manage and lead the company’s sales and publishing teams.