Kate has been Managing Director of Consumer Brands, London since 2007.

She sees her role as persuading, inventing, rationalising and arguing her way to building successful brands that make people’s lives better. It’s something she’s done for brands across the fmcg space from over-the-counter pharmaceuticals to soft drinks, bread to beer, working with the global and the national.

Kate left Interbrand to help splinter start up strategy and innovation agency Brandsmiths working across both consumer and corporate brands.

Of joining Dragon Rouge, she says: “I wanted to stay with an independent, to work for a business where ideas and talents were the key focus, and to give myself a big meaty challenge. I got all three - in spades. The best aspect about working here is the people - they're a genuine bunch of clever people who don't take themselves too seriously. If you want to work here, you have to leave your ego at the door.”

Outside work is about ‘hanging with my inspiring and exhausting kids who remind me daily of all the good things in worry-free humans’.  A confirmed believer in the power of laughter to keep things on track, she also likes catching up with friends, ‘laughing like a drain’ and lives to eat and cook. Not much gets her down, but she’s endlessly frustrated by people who dismiss consumer insight and perspective with a ‘what do they know?’ After all, she argues, they do buy the products. And if you’re in a crowded train station or airport, keep well clear if you have wheelie suitcase.