Dr Karen Hester, the award-winning former chief operating officer of Adnams, has passed away after a bravely fought health battle.
Karen retired in April last year, having worked within the Southwold-based brewery business for some 36 years. Having joined Adnams as a part-time cleaner back in 1988, Karen went on to work in procurement, logistics and customer services. She assumed the role of operations director in 2007 — taking on pubs, hotels and shops — and became the company’s first female executive director in 2015.
In 2008, she was announced East of England Businesswoman of the Year. In 2013, she was presented with the CBI First Woman in Business Award, and in 2015 she was awarded with an honorary doctorate from the University of Suffolk. Karen held a number of additional voluntary roles in her life, including as a magistrate and chair of the charity Independence Matters.
Dr Andy Wood OBE DL, former chief executive of Adnams, said: “I worked closely with Karen for most of her incredible journey at Adnams. Throughout, she was a wonderful colleague and a source of inspiration every day.
“Her wise counsel, compassionate leadership, sense of humour, and approach that always saw her put other’s needs before her own set her apart in the world. Mama H, we will miss you!”
A service in celebration of Karen’s life will be held at St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Wangford, on Wednesday, 12th February, at 1pm, for anyone wishing to pay their respects. To make a donation in Karen’s memory, please consider Cancer Research UK.
