Charles is a brand strategist who began his advertising apprenticeship at Burkitt’s, working subsequently at BBH and WCRS. In 2002 he decided to start working for himself and, along with his three partners, set up VCCP. Their founding client was O2, to whom they are eternally grateful. Over the last two decades, Charles has worked on and, in some cases, helped launch a diverse range of brands including O2, easyJet, Canon, Domino's, Dyson, Hiscox, Nationwide, Primark, Virgin Media, and Vitality.

Outside of work Charles doggedly pursues a variety of sports including cricket, tennis, football, golf, and snooker, all at a consistently low standard. Charles is a Trustee for The Fred Foundation, is co-author of a book called The Branded Gentry, and has been a regular columnist for Campaign Magazine for a number of years.