Mar 19, 2026
Karl Pennell brings a clear, decisive leadership style to VPK Packaging's Selby site, combining operational discipline with a strong focus on people and performance. As Plant General Manager, he plays a critical role in shaping the site's direction, strengthening its leadership team, and driving sustainable improvement across the operation.
Since joining VPK Packaging Selby in February 2025, Karl has focussed on stabilising performance, building capability, and creating a high-performing culture. In just over a year, he and his team have made significant strides, improving operational efficiency, enhancing reliability, and ensuring the site is well positioned to meet both customer demand and VPK's wider strategic ambitions.
I joined VPK Packaging Selby on Valentine's Day 2025, so I've now been with the business just over a year, and you could say it's been something of a romance story. After 17 years with my previous employer in a range of operational and leadership roles, I wanted a new challenge. I was keen to step into a different environment and test whether I could replicate that success elsewhere.
Over the past 13 months, my focus has been on stabilising the Selby operation, strengthening the leadership structure, and building a high-performing team. Together, we've improved performance across key areas and significantly enhanced our ability to meet customer demand while supporting VPK's wider strategy.
It's been a rewarding journey so far, and I'm proud of what the team has achieved, with plenty more to come.
What stands out most is the combination of autonomy, people, and the wider business culture. The level of trust in the role is something I value highly. I'm empowered to make decisions, shape the direction of the Selby site, and implement changes that have a real impact. That freedom allows me to lead with intent and focus on what matters most, operationally, strategically, and culturally.
The people are another key part. Over the past year, I've worked with a team that is committed, hardworking, and open to change. Building a strong leadership structure and seeing individuals develop has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the role. There's a real sense of pride when we achieve something together.
Across the wider business, VPK has a strong culture and clear direction. It's a company that balances commercial focus with genuine care for its people, and the collaborative nature of the network makes it a great environment to be part of.
For me, it comes down to three things: trust, people, and culture.
From day one, I've felt empowered to lead and make decisions that matter. That level of autonomy allows you to take real ownership and drive meaningful change. The people are what make the biggest difference. There's a strong sense of pride across the teams, and over the past year I've had the opportunity to build a group that is engaged, ambitious, and committed to improving every day. Seeing that translate into real progress is incredibly rewarding.
VPK as a business also stands out. It has a clear vision, invests in its sites, and supports its leaders. There's a strong balance between stability and ambition, and a culture where collaboration and improvement are part of everyday thinking.
No two days are the same, but there is a clear rhythm built around people, performance, and progress. My day usually starts with a review of the previous shift's performance, looking at safety, production, waste, downtime, and any engineering concerns. That gives me a clear view of where we are and what needs attention.
From there, I align with the leadership team to set priorities and ensure everyone is clear on expectations for the day. A key part of my role is being out on the shop floor. I spend time across Corrugator, Conversion, Warehouse, and Engineering, speaking to teams, observing operations, and identifying opportunities to improve performance. Staying close to the operation is essential.
I also spend time developing the leadership team, supporting problem solving, and building capability across the site. Alongside that, there's a strong focus on improvement work, from cost and waste reduction to longer-term projects that strengthen the site's future performance.
Outside of work, I'm very much a family man. I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two sons, who are both carving out their own paths. One is serving in the military, and the other is building a career in football coaching and management, which makes me incredibly proud.
I still enjoy watching local football whenever I can, and I follow Manchester United, although the last decade hasn't always been easy. That said, once you're a fan, you're in for life.
For me, time outside of work is all about family, football, and supporting my sons in their journeys.
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