Global Women Leadership Transition 2025

Global Women is both excited and a little saddened to announce a significant leadership transition representing a major milestone for our organisation.

Ka riro te hau, ka kitea te mahi – as one wind passes, another will arise.
This whakataukī acknowledges that as one leader’s time ends there is an opportunity for new leadership to bring fresh energy and ideas. It reflects the cyclical nature of leadership within a community.   

After nearly five years of dedicated service, Chief Executive Agnes Naera will be stepping down in January 2025. Since joining in 2020 during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Agnes has successfully navigated Global Women through a remarkable period of growth. Her leadership has advanced our mission to inspire and advocate for diverse leadership in Aotearoa New Zealand, resulting in greater representation of Māori, Pacific, and other women of colour within our leadership programs, membership, and the impactful work of the Champions for Change. Key highlights of this progress include the successful Annual Members’ hui at Waitangi and the introduction of the Global Women Waiata, both of which underscore our commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Dame Theresa Gattung, Chair of Global Women, shares her heartfelt appreciation for Agnes, saying, “Agnes has been a pivotal force behind our mission, leading with vision and dedication. We are immensely grateful for her impactful leadership.” Agnes’s unwavering commitment has been crucial to our achievements, and we are pleased that she will remain with us to finalise several strategic initiatives for 2025, ensuring a seamless transition and continued progress.

Following an extensive recruitment process, the Global Women Board is excited to announce that Katie Bhreatnach will assume the role of Chief Executive in January 2025. Arriving with a wealth of experience and a strong track record in leadership, Katie is well-prepared to guide and shape the future of Global Women.

Katie is a dynamic business leader and mum to three daughters, driven by a commitment to being a good ancestor and shaping a prosperous future for Aotearoa New Zealand. Her executive experience spans diverse industries, including financial services, technology, FMCG, and aviation, alongside governance roles across the commercial and not-for-profit sectors.

Of Ngāti Whakaue descent, Katie has a longstanding relationship with Global Women, where she has been a member, active contributor and board member. Throughout her career, she has championed the advancement of wahine in leadership, embodying her passion for empowering others and ensuring intergenerational progress.

As we navigate this transition, we invite everyone to join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Agnes for her invaluable contributions. We also extend a warm welcome to Katie as she prepares to lead Global Women in 2025. Let us unite on this journey, supporting one another as we strive towards our vision “to see remarkable women running and raising our countries, companies and communities.”

 

Dame Theresa Gattung

Chair Global Women