I first worked with Karl in Vodafone back in early 2002 when we were both thrown in at the deep end to sort out 3G coverage. Since then I have worked with him on and off for 20 years in Huawei and then at O2. In all those times he was a constant of careful thought and inspiration with a sneaky touch of humour thrown in. Karl was always busy but was still able to find time for you and find out how you were. He was passionate about people and people development and put so much into his own development. He was so chuffed when he got his MBA. Karl’s nouse and ability to see through a problem will be sorely missed but most of all I will miss Karl as a good friend and colleague. Rest in Peace.  …

I did not know Karl; we had never met. Nevertheless I feel moved to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the many colleagues around the business who clearly held Karl in such high regard. I have been in VM/VMO2 for over six years and I experieneced the sudden loss of a deeply valued colleague 5 years ago – I can well imagine the sense of loss colleagues will be feeling in the weeks ahead.  I’ve seen photos of Karl; he had a great smile. I wish I had known him. Sending my condolences and thoughts to you all – and of course to Karl’s family at this time of great sadness. …

You know Work isnt just work when you meet and Connect with people who really touch you. They touch you by their brilliance, knowledge, expertise and kindness. Karl was that kind of guy. Super senior and a leader but equally so modest down to earth with an easy simple way of connecting with people. Also so passionate and knowledgeable in his field commanding huge respect. The best leaders are the ones who listen to the people around them… and keep on listening and contributing – keen to always continue to learn, expand, grow because they acknowledge they don’t know everything. I was lucky enough to cross paths work-wise with Karl since he rejoined VMO2 and in the short time I was able to see/understand the quiet strength and quality he had. A really great and inspirational leader….

Karl possessed a unique combination of deep technical knowledge, wisdom, and business insight matched only by his warm, caring, and supportive personality. He inspired us to reach our highest potential and was always there to offer his support and help. He also ensured that we had fun along the way and challenged us to find a balance in our home and work lives. Karl leaves behind a void that cannot be filled. We are left with memories of his infectious smile and the impact he had on us all. During this difficult time, my thoughts are with Karl’s family and friends as they work through their grief. Hoping that they will find some comfort in the knowledge that Karl’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched….

It is difficult to put into words just how much a manager becomes a ‘special’ part of your life. When Karl returned just 12 months ago, I was so lucky, not only to have supported him over some years pre-merger but to be his PA for a second time around, I was simply overjoyed. Working behind the scenes I found Karl not only a great support to me personally but someone we could go to for advice, he was a mind of information, he knew the answer to everything. Always moving in different directions, never phased by anything, responding in his usual ‘laid back’ manner. I will miss all that ‘craziness’ as Karl would describe it, even on the days he apologised for being ‘grumpy Karl’ (his words) he never was, we just laughed and carried on. On days where we would catch up on work, he always asked me how I was doing and thanked me for the simplest of tasks, a truly kind and caring man. They say people are sent into our lives for a reason, Karl was sent to make my job rewarding and its my turn to thank you Karl, for simply everything and…

I first meet Karl in 1999 when we both worked in the same small team in Vodafone. He was of the rare breed of people who is intelligent and driven enough to get big things done by collaboration, not competition. He has provided lots of support and advice over the intervening years whether we’ve been working in the same company or not. He was a kind person who was interested in people. We miss Karl….

I only got to work Karl on his return to VMO2 but in that short time it was obvious the esteem with which he was held and I observed many of the great characteristics shared by others in their messages. Karl was always supportive, a calm presence and showed interest in our work. He will be greatly missed. …

Karl was a huge advocate and sponsor of the Returners Programme. When I joined, he was always enthusiastic, asking what I was working on, providing guidance and a smile for my many, many questions to him. His eyes lit up when talking about his children and his love of skiing. Thank you for inspiring confidence to those of us who had returned to work & for the belief that we could contribute to the business. You will be missed dearly….

I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing and working with Karl over the last 9 years and am so sad that we have lost such a great guy. Truely, one of the best. Professionally, Karl’s enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise has been inspirational to many, and this will be missed. Aside from work, Karl was always fun and great company, and my heart goes out to you all in this time of sorrow.My deepest and sincere condolences….

The sudden death and loss to his family extends to his work family which my team and I are part of. Words can only console and often family is brought closer together to support. Memories of a man who was well respected in his field but we know thwe company will continue to embrace his family and support moving forward. We raise a glass  to you Karl….

I had the pleasure of working with Karl on a few occasions over the years, and he was always so positive, knowledgeable and full of enthusiasm. Whenever he spoke about mobile networks and how they worked, he made it so that anyone could understand and you left having learnt something. We will all miss him so much at VMO2 and my thoughts are with his family and close friends….

Having worked with Karl over the years I always found him very approachable, knowledgeable and easy going. I was pleased to hear when he rejoined VMO2 and was looking forward to him leading the team again in 2024. It was such sad and shocking news and he will be greatly missed.  Sending my thoughts to his family at this difficult time.  …

I worked with Karl at O2 and later at Virgin Media O2. I shall remember him as someone of quiet authority – always courteous and patient. Whenever I went to him, it always always to ask for his time, expertise and help, yet he always responded positively whenever he could. Reliable, dependable, straightforward, helpful, he’d go the extra mile for you if he could – everything you would want from a colleague.  We shall miss him. I shall miss him. Simon x…

We thought the following poem was appropriate for Karl: A Warriors Poem With eyes that blaze, with fierce intent, The warrior stands, both firm and bent, His mind is focused, like a laser beam, On the goal ahead, and the battle’s scheme. He shuts out all distractions, and noise, And listens only, to his inner voice, For his focus, is what sets him apart, And gives him strength, to conquer the heart. Through the heat of battle, and the chaos of war, The warrior remains, forever more, Focused on the mission, and the end goal, And let’s nothing, deter his soul. For he knows, that in focus lies, The power to win, and the ability to rise, Above the fray, and the noise of the fight, And emerge victorious, with all his might. So let us learn, from the warrior’s way, And cultivate focus, day by day, For in its grip, we’ll find the power, To overcome challenges, hour by hour….