Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, former MP and advocate

Overview

Katherine Rich is the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, the country's peak business advocacy organisation representing thousands of New Zealand businesses. A former three-term Member of Parliament and long-time head of the NZ Food and Grocery Council, she is one of the most experienced and respected voices in New Zealand business and public policy.

Who is Katherine Rich? Katherine took up the role of CEO at BusinessNZ in September 2024, succeeding Kirk Hope. She previously led the NZ Food and Grocery Council from 2009 to 2022, served as a National Party MP from 1999 to 2008 and was a member of the APEC Business Advisory Council. She has held senior governance roles including Chair of Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand and board member of Barnardos. She holds a BA/BCom in Marketing and Economics.

Career Highlights • Chief Executive of BusinessNZ since September 2024 • Chief Executive of the NZ Food and Grocery Council, 2009 to 2022 • Three-term National Party Member of Parliament, 1999 to 2008 • Former member of the APEC Business Advisory Council • Former Chair of Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand • Former board member of Barnardos

Key Speaking Themes • The New Zealand business environment and economic outlook • Public policy, regulation and the role of business advocacy • Women in business and leadership • Trade, supply chains and the FMCG sector • Building a more enabling environment for growth

What Your Audience Will Gain Katherine offers a rare blend of perspectives — politician, industry CEO, board chair and national business leader. Audiences leave with a clearer view of the policy and economic forces shaping their sector and the levers that move them.

Ideal For • Industry conferences and member events • Business and economic forums • Women in business and leadership events • Government and public policy briefings • AGMs, gala dinners and awards

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Katherine Rich speak about? The New Zealand economy, business advocacy, public policy, leadership, trade, the FMCG sector and women in business.

What is Katherine Rich's current role? She is Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, having taken up the role in September 2024.

What is BusinessNZ? BusinessNZ is New Zealand's largest business advocacy body, representing thousands of businesses through its network including EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South.

Was Katherine Rich a Member of Parliament? Yes. She served three terms as a National Party MP from 1999 to 2008.

What other leadership roles has Katherine Rich held? She was CEO of the NZ Food and Grocery Council from 2009 to 2022 and has chaired Fairtrade Australia and New Zealand and sat on the Barnardos board.
Is Katherine Rich available for panels and MC work? Yes. Katherine is regularly booked for keynotes, panels and MC roles at business, policy and leadership events across New Zealand.