Drinkaware appoints new permanent CEO

Karen Tyrell will be joining Drinkaware as the new permanent CEO in October 2022.

 Karen brings over 20 years of experience across health and social care working with senior and executive teams.  She is currently working at the large national alcohol and drug treatment charity Humankind where she is Executive Director of Strategy, Culture and External Affairs.   

Karen is also Vice Chair of Trustees at the Avalon Group a social care charity and will be taking over from Shãn Nicholas, who has been Drinkaware’s interim CEO since November 2021.   

Commenting on the announcement Karen said “Having supported Humankind through a period of growth and the pandemic, I am excited to take on a new challenge as the CEO of Drinkaware.  

“With my background in partnerships and collaboration, I am looking forward to helping shape Drinkaware’s strategic direction and to increasing its reach as the authoritative voice on alcohol issues.  

“Leading the fantastic Drinkaware team, working with new stakeholders and continuing to deliver initiatives that reduce the harm faced by people who use alcohol will be at the heart of what I do. We are entering a crucial period and I feel honoured to have the opportunity to lead such an influential organisation at this time.”