Karl George - Looking back on 25 years of BYPY

Photo credit: Birmingham Post

This year, we are celebrating 25 years of the iconic BYPY Awards. The awards highlight the exceptional talent and skills of young professionals across Greater Birmingham, while also giving the overall winners the chance to open doors in their careers that they might not otherwise have been able to open.

As part of these celebrations, we spoke to the overall winners of the awards, dating right back to the very first winner in 2000 to last year's winner.

First up, our winner from 2002, Karl George. Karl is the second winner of the BYPY Awards, and is an award-winning and globally recognised authority in corporate governance with over 30 years of experience transforming boardrooms across the private, public, and voluntary sectors. 

Have a read below to find out how winning BYPY felt for Karl..

What category did you win?
I won the Financial Services category and was honoured to be named the overall BYPY winner in 2002.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I lead The Governance Forum and am currently launching a new AI offering focused on the governance implications.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve become a recognised international subject matter expert in corporate governance, working here in the UK and across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

I’ve sold several businesses, authored books, and continue to deliver thought leadership in board effectiveness and AI governance.

Where were you working at the time of winning your award?
At the time, I was managing director and shareholder of Andersons KBS, a multidisciplinary accountancy firm offering audit, tax, accounting, and consultancy services.

Why should people apply for GBYPY?
The application and interview process itself is valuable personal development. Being shortlisted or winning significantly raises your profile and brand. It's also a chance to give back—as an ambassador, role model, and voice for your sector.

What did winning BYPY do for your career? Have you had any other big achievements or award wins since?
Winning BYPY was a pivotal moment. Since then, I’ve been awarded an MBE for services to the community, appeared on multiple Power Lists, received an honorary doctorate, and have been a visiting professor for over two decades. I've also received accolades including Inspiring Leader and Young Business Midlander.

How did winning BYPY feel?
I can still remember the roar from the crowd when I was announced as the overall winner—and the chant I got everyone to do! I’d said I’d only do it if I won, because honestly, I didn’t expect to. I was leading a mid-sized firm, up against candidates from the Big 4—and I won.