Karen Poole

Observer
DISC Type : ci

Advisor at British Nutrition Foundation

Welwyn Garden City, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Karen Poole is a retail veteran with over 25 years of experience, currently leading Bookers own-brand product division. She started her career on the Tesco graduate scheme and held senior roles there, including Head of Health & Sustainable Diets. She earned a BA in Philosophy and Politics from the University of Essex.

Outside of her primary role, Karen is deeply involved in food policy and nutrition, serving as an Advisor to the British Nutrition Foundation. She has also contributed to her local community as a Parent Governor, demonstrating a commitment to education and governance.

Interesting fact: Karen holds a WSET Level 2 (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) certification with Merit, showcasing a professional interest in the beverage sector.

Personality Overview

Value Driven

Example Seeker

Assertive

They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince.  They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing. They ask a lot of questions and rely heavily on information and collaterals.

Topics They Care About

Own-Brand Transformation
Currently leading a major initiative at Booker to refresh and reposition the company's own-brand portfolio to better serve foodservice customers.
Foodservice Innovation
Focused on launching on-trend products and innovative flavours to help chefs differentiate their menus and tap into consumer interest in fusion flavours.
Collaborative Health Initiatives
Serves as an advisor to the British Nutrition Foundation and is a former Co-Chair for the Collaboration for Healthier Lives UK.

Media Appearances

Our Patron and Governance | British Nutrition Foundation. Featured in British Nutrition Foundation

See Now

Work History

7-2025
Advisor at British Nutrition Foundation
8-2024
Head of Own Brand at Booker Group
2-2023 - 8-2024
Parent Governor at Birchwood High School
3-2022 - 8-2024
Head of Health & Sustainable Diets at Tesco
3-2019 - 8-2024
Head of Cross Category Product Development at Tesco

Education

1993 - 1996
BA (hons) 2:1 Philosophy and Politics from University of Essex
Education details unavailable from ST Pauls C of E

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 29 Location : Welwyn Garden City, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Advisor at British Nutrition Foundation
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Insights For Selling To Karen

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Focus on immediate action-items rather than the larger goals
  • Invite them for a social do but don’t rely solely on the relationship
  • Build rapport, it will come handy to handle hard questions later

DONT's

  • Avoid making offhand commitments
  • Don’t try to rush them into a decision, provide all necessary information first
  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Karen is

  • Proven value, strong testimonials are important for them, rapport can impact decisions a little.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Karen

  • They are practical and friendly, don't expect a clear-cut response often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Karen move?

  • They like to perform full analysis and can take time to make any decision.
  • Can Karen take some risk or not?

  • They weigh all decisions systematically and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Karen

Personality Compatibility


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