Hi, I’m Catherine Ross. I’m a purpose-driven leader with a track record of delivering ESG-led growth for SaaS and non-profit initiatives across Australia, New Zealand and international markets. I translate complex sustainability programs into practical strategies that drive client value, partnerships and measurable impact. I thrive in cross-functional environments where clear communication, data-informed decisions and stakeholder alignment are core to success. With a background spanning sales, corporate partnerships, fundraising, and operations, I excel at building scalable programs, shaping organisational ESG strategy, and leading high-performing teams. I’m passionate about ethical procurement, modern slavery risk management, and mission-driven growth that benefits communities and customers alike.

Catherine Ross

Hi, I’m Catherine Ross. I’m a purpose-driven leader with a track record of delivering ESG-led growth for SaaS and non-profit initiatives across Australia, New Zealand and international markets. I translate complex sustainability programs into practical strategies that drive client value, partnerships and measurable impact. I thrive in cross-functional environments where clear communication, data-informed decisions and stakeholder alignment are core to success. With a background spanning sales, corporate partnerships, fundraising, and operations, I excel at building scalable programs, shaping organisational ESG strategy, and leading high-performing teams. I’m passionate about ethical procurement, modern slavery risk management, and mission-driven growth that benefits communities and customers alike.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Catherine Ross. I’m a purpose-driven leader with a track record of delivering ESG-led growth for SaaS and non-profit initiatives across Australia, New Zealand and international markets. I translate complex sustainability programs into practical strategies that drive client value, partnerships and measurable impact. I thrive in cross-functional environments where clear communication, data-informed decisions and stakeholder alignment are core to success.

With a background spanning sales, corporate partnerships, fundraising, and operations, I excel at building scalable programs, shaping organisational ESG strategy, and leading high-performing teams. I’m passionate about ethical procurement, modern slavery risk management, and mission-driven growth that benefits communities and customers alike.

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Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Head of ESG Solutions (Head of Business Development) at Fair Supply
April 1, 2023 - July 1, 2025
Led growth of a cloud-based ESG risk intelligence and compliance solution, driving client acquisition and project scoping across Australia, New Zealand and international markets. Owned full B2B SaaS sales cycles for deals up to $250K, delivered subject-matter leadership at conferences, advised executives on sustainable procurement and modern slavery reporting, and supported ongoing client ESG reporting and compliance across multiple regions. Successfully grew annual contract value by 30%.
Business Development & Partnerships Manager, Oceania at Global Citizen
February 1, 2022 - December 1, 2022
Managed corporate partnerships with Cisco, Procter & Gamble, Salesforce and Live Nation. Developed sector briefs and strategic engagements, contributed to sector-wide campaigns and advocacy, and supported branding and awareness initiatives including high-profile campaigns.
Senior Associate at NAB Foundation
May 1, 2021 - August 31, 2021
Led strategic review and consolidation of 56 environmental grant applicants into an inaugural funding partner. Managed internal and external stakeholder relationships and produced executive-level reporting.
Chief Operations Officer at i=Change
October 1, 2017 - May 31, 2021
Scaled operations and partnerships for a SaaS-enabled NGO. Delivered a 425% increase in brand partnerships, 569% growth in donations, and a 490% revenue uplift. Led partnerships with major campaigns and organizations, orchestrated strategy development, reporting, and compliance (including trust funds) and steered new concept pipelines.
Fundraising Manager at The Reach Foundation
February 1, 2014 - October 31, 2017
Managed appeal programs, donor relations and fundraising campaigns. Led content and event-based fundraising efforts, achieving substantial budget surpluses and executing high-impact campaigns such as large-scale trekking and community engagement initiatives.
Non-Executive Director at Ballarat Foundation
April 1, 2022 - February 28, 2025
Governance support and oversight of philanthropic initiatives, contributing to strategy and stakeholder engagement as part of the Foundation’s leadership team.
Steering Group Member at British Consulate Victoria – Westminster Bridge Network
March 1, 2022 - February 28, 2025
Formal steering group member with senior Consulate staff to develop event and engagement plans; hosted climate-change panel with high-profile speakers and contributed to cross-sector engagement.
Board Director at Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH)
March 1, 2017 - January 31, 2020
Governance role focusing on health, leadership and advocacy for immigrant and refugee women; supported strategy, governance and program development across national initiatives.
Op Shop Volunteer at Sacred Heart Mission
September 1, 2017 - Present
Volunteer contributing to sales, donation sorting and pricing for support services addressing homelessness.

Education

Executive MBA at Queensland University of Technology
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
Entrepreneurship Immersive at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School of Management
September 1, 2021 - February 10, 2026
Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2012
Victoria Certificate of Education at Melbourne Girls' College
January 11, 2030 - February 10, 2026

Qualifications

Executive MBA
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
Entrepreneurship Immersive
September 1, 2021 - February 10, 2026

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Education, Software & Internet, Media & Entertainment