Karl Hick named Inspiring Business Leader

We are proud to share that Karl Hick, CEO of Phoenix Group, has been named ‘Most Inspiring Business Leader of 2025’ by CXO Outlook, a global knowledge-sharing platform that features expert insights, thought leadership articles and in-depth interviews with business leaders from across industries.

In the July edition of the publication (from page 26), Karl spoke with CXO Outlook about the vision behind Sibson Garden Community, our most ambitious and future-focused development to date. The conversation explored what it truly means to build sustainable, resilient communities in the UK.

Karl shared, “This is the most ambitious project of my career, as it brings together everything we’ve learned about how to build places that last economically, socially, and environmentally.”

The article explores Karl’s professional evolution, from his early days in construction to his emergence as a disruptor in the sustainable development sector. We share some highlights from the article below:

Karl’s professional career

“I’ve always been inherently entrepreneurial and somewhat disruptive in how I think. I’ve never been afraid to go against the grain, especially when the goal is long-term impact,” Karl says. As a smaller player competing against major developers, Karl quickly understood that size wasn’t everything. “I couldn’t outspend them, but I could outwork them. I could move faster and think smarter.”

Innovation

Karl also understands that innovation, while exciting, needs to work commercially. Balancing progress with business logic is something he takes seriously. “When something isn’t yet viable, you have to find the angle that makes it work,” he says. “You don’t get there by standing still. You get there by trying, refining and learning.”

“I’ve learned that volume isn’t always the answer. Sometimes, you reach a point where you realise something isn’t viable for you but that doesn’t mean it won’t work for someone else. Knowing when to pivot takes humility.”

Sustainability

“When you’re working with biofuels, solar power, and smart homes, it naturally supports long-term business success. It makes sense for both the environment and the bottom line,” he says.

In a country that deals with regular flood risks, Karl sees opportunity in solving the problem, not avoiding it. “Flood maps can create artificial barriers to development. We ask: what solutions can make it safe and sustainable?”

The Sibson Garden Community

“This is the most ambitious project of my career, as it brings together everything we’ve learned about how to build places that last economically, socially, and environmentally.”  

“It’s about the way we live, not just where we live. We need communities where people can walk, connect, and feel like they belong.”

“We’re connecting everything; energy, housing, transport and logistics,” Karl explains. “When they’re linked properly, the impact is much greater.”

Innovative Healthcare

Upfront Diagnostics, has developed a 15-minute blood test that can detect life-threatening strokes “LVO strokes account for a large percentage of stroke-related deaths and disability. This test could save lives and reduce treatment costs by billions,” states Karl.

Looking ahead

“Some of the projects I’m working on today started as ideas three or four years ago. While most people are focused on the present, we make a conscious effort to look further ahead, four or five years down the line.”

To read the full article click here