Catharine Brown

Chief Executive

Catharine joined St John’s Foundation in July 2024 as interim CEO and was appointed permanently to the role in January 2025. She is deeply committed to ensuring access to opportunities for all—principles that guide her leadership at St John’s. Within her role as CEO, Catharine provides strategic and operational management, working closely with the board, staff, and partners to ensure St John’s delivers its charitable mission effectively and drives meaningful impact.

Catharine’s career began in marketing leadership roles with major organisations, including Selfridges, Marks & Spencer, and The Economist group, where she served as Global Marketing Director. After relocating from London to Bath with her family 20 years ago, she transitioned into the charity sector, initially focusing on marketing and fundraising before moving into senior leadership. She has since held interim leadership positions at five national charities across the South West and founded a consultancy business supporting boards and leadership teams in driving impact and meaningful change.

Before joining St John’s, Catharine was Chief Executive of Designability, a charity dedicated to developing innovative products and services that empower disabled people to live more independently. Her extensive experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors brings a strategic and purpose-driven approach to her leadership at St John’s.