Simon started his career as a newspaper journalist, working for the Bournemouth Evening Echo and Western Daily Press among others. He spent 15 years with the BBC, initially in radio, helping start up BBC Radio Five Live and also in TV with the start up of BBC News 24.
He went on to work in local government for many years at Somerset County Council as a director and deputy chief executive.
He is currently chair of three charities, two based in Dorset and one national, all providing support in social care and mental health.