Catharine joined St John’s Foundation in July 2024 as interim CEO and was appointed permanently in January 2025. She is deeply committed to ensuring access to opportunities for all – principles that guide her leadership at St John’s. Before joining St John’s, she was Chief Executive of Designability.
How long have you been based in Bath and why is the region meaningful for you?
I moved to Bath over 20 years ago when my children were small. I’ll never forget one of my first walks along the canal to Bathampton, as the countryside was just breathtaking. Moving here from Balham, it felt like another world. Bath means so much to me now. It’s where I raised my children and while they have now flown the nest, those years grounded here will always hold a special place in my heart.
What is your background and career?
I spent over 15 years working in commercial marketing, with brands like M&S, Selfridges and later as Global Marketing Director at The Economist. It was fast-paced, international and exciting, but after my second child was born, we made the decision to leave London and have more of a life, not just a career.
That move sparked a shift in me. I’d spent years helping big companies grow their profits and suddenly I felt I wanted to do something that gave back. I genuinely wanted to use my skills to benefit people who hadn’t had the same chances I had. The funny thing was, the leap from marketing to the charity sector isn’t as big as it sounds. Marketing is about understanding people’s needs and so is running a charity, except in this case, it’s your community and your beneficiaries you’re working for.
What is your role at St John’s Foundation and why is it a good fit for you?
Until now, I’ve only ever led national and international charities, so the opportunity to lead one in my own community felt really special. There’s a stark divide in Bath with parts being incredibly wealthy, and in other areas life expectancy being ten years lower. That’s not okay and to be able to do something about it, right here where I live, is a huge privilege.
What I bring to the role is people-first leadership – leading isn’t just about having a vision, it’s about taking people with you. That means supporting my team, helping them grow, backing them to lead in their own right. I want everyone to feel they have a voice. St John’s values of trust, courage and kindness really speak to me. I try to show up with those values every day, and I see them reflected back by our team.
Can you explain more about the St John’s Foundation community charity?
At our core, we’re an almshouse charity and have been for over 850 years. Almshouses are homes for older people, offering people independence and community as they age. We also run outreach services for older adults across the city. But we don’t stop there. We use our resources to support the wider community, those who find themselves at a point of crisis. We also work with local nurseries and schools, providing emotional and educational support to children.
We’re very proud of the impact we’re having. Last year, 102 residents lived in our almshouses and 98% of them say they feel safe and secure here. We helped over 600 people through our Crisis programme, and provided 410 children with hot school meals every day.
To support our work, we run a trading company that includes St Catherine’s, which is luxury serviced accommodation, and the House of St John’s, which is a place for people to connect, work and celebrate. The House hosts co-working, private offices, meeting rooms and an event space used for everything from weddings to corporate functions. It’s an iconic building and honestly, it’s gorgeous.
Does the strong local connection change how you feel about what you do?
It changes everything. When the work you do impacts the community where you live, it means more. This is my home. This is where my family is. It’s deeply personal, and that makes the work feel incredibly meaningful.
How do you feel about how the immediate and long-term future for the charity?
We’re halfway through a 10-year strategy that was written before COVID, before the cost of living crisis and the economic turbulence of the last few years. One of my first priorities is to review that strategy to make sure it fits the world we’re in now, and that it’s reaching the people who need us most. It’s about staying relevant, responsive and impactful.
What is a notable landmark in Bath for you?
I love the walk from the Royal Crescent through the Circus and down to Queen Square. I often pop into the House of St John’s for a coffee and to check in with staff and members when I’m there. That whole area just feels like the heart of Bath, and it never gets old.
Can you share a memorable moment?
During lockdown, Bath was a different place. Without the crowds and the hustle, it felt still and almost poetic. You really noticed the details in the architecture and the quiet beauty of the streets. It reminded me just how stunning this city is, even in hard times.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Sailing is my big passion. We keep a boat on the river in Norfolk and we love exploring the UK’s coastal waters. There’s nothing like being out on the water to reset your mind.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who did her best.