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Karen Lynch
CEO, NED, Chair, consultant. Favouring all things Social Enterprise and impact led entrepreneurs.
Professional Background
Karen Lynch is a distinguished leader in the social enterprise sector, celebrated for her impactful work as the former CEO of Belu Water Ltd, the UK's foremost ethical water brand. From 2010 to 2020, Karen spearheaded a business model defined by social responsibility and sustainability. Under her visionary leadership, Belu made remarkable strides in reducing environmental impact, committing all profits to sustainable clean water initiatives through an unwavering partnership with WaterAid.
During her tenure at Belu, Karen oversaw a plethora of innovative initiatives that positioned the brand as a pioneer in the water industry. She was instrumental in the launch of 'ethical glass', the first plastic water bottle to utilize at least 50% recycled PET, with a subsequent milestone of achieving 100% recycled PET. Additionally, under Karen's guidance, Belu became the first business to attain the British Standard of Carbon Neutrality PAS2060, solidifying its commitment to environmentally-conscious operations.
Belu's commitment to sustainability yielded outstanding results, including the impressive sum of over £5 million raised for WaterAid over nine years, which played a vital role in funding clean water projects around the globe.
Noteworthy recognition of Belu's achievements during Karen's leadership includes prestigious awards such as the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2019 and the Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development in 2017, highlighting the company's commitment to pioneering solutions within the social enterprise landscape. Belu has also been recognized by numerous other awards, including the SATMA awards, Social Enterprise UK awards, and various national business accolades.
Education and Achievements
Originally hailing from Jarrow in the North East of England, Karen Lynch pursued her education at the University of Sunderland, which laid the foundation for her prolific career. Her passion for sustainability and social enterprise guides her professional trajectory as she strives to make a difference in the community and the environment.
Karen is not only a leader in the social enterprise sector but also a performer in promoting flexible working environments. Her recognition in the inaugural Timewise Top 50 part-timers list highlights her advocacy for work-life balance, especially for women in the workforce. Additionally, Karen has received honors as an ‘Environment Champion’ from Lloyds Bank, affirming her dedication to sustainability.
Her commitment to social enterprises extends beyond her role at Belu. Karen co-founded Expert Impact Speakers and held the position of CEO at Expert Impact, where she continues her advocacy for impactful contributions to society. She has served as Vice Chair of Membership and Marketing at Social Enterprise UK and as a Non-Executive Director at Homes for Good CIC in Glasgow, further emphasizing her dedication to social impact and sustainability initiatives.
Karens’s leadership philosophy revolves around making meaningful contributions to society while driving business success. She served on the board of several organizations, including OPOP CIC – One Plate One Price, bringing focus to inclusive business practices and community development. Passionate about creating platforms for dialogue and action, Karen’s work continues to inspire future leaders in the social enterprise space.
Personal Life
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Karen is a devoted mother to two daughters and a dog lover with two border terriers. Her competitive spirit transcends the boardroom, as Karen is also a keen vegetable grower, channeling her enthusiasm for sustainable living into her personal life. She embodies the principles of sustainability and community involvement in all aspects of her life, encouraging others to embrace similar values.
With a rich background in both corporate and social enterprise sectors, Karen Lynch stands as a beacon of innovation and ethical business practices. She continues to influence the landscape of social entrepreneurship and sustainability, advocating for a better world through thoughtful business practices and community engagement.
