Catherine Gee: A Visionary Leader in Sustainability and Environmental Management
Catherine Gee is a highly accomplished environmental leader, sustainability expert, and executive with a remarkable career spanning over two decades. With her strategic vision, leadership skills, and dedication to promoting environmental awareness, Catherine Gee has become a recognised figure in the UK for her commitment to sustainable development, biodiversity, and climate action. From her early career roles in consultancy and corporate services to her current position as Head of ESG Operations at DWF, Catherine Gee has consistently demonstrated expertise in driving organisational change and advancing environmental objectives.
Early Life and Education of Catherine Gee
Born in November 1974, Catherine Gee grew up in the United Kingdom with a strong academic foundation that laid the groundwork for her future career. She attended Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, a setting that nurtured her academic curiosity and leadership potential. Her pursuit of higher education led her to the University of Lancashire, where she earned a BA (Hons) in Business Studies, graduating with First Class Honours in 2003. This academic achievement highlighted her strong analytical skills and commitment to excellence, qualities that would shape her future career in environmental leadership and sustainability.
Catherine’s dedication to continuous learning and professional development is evident in her later studies. She undertook the Business and Climate Change programme at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, achieving an impressive 88% grade, and completed the Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, with a remarkable 99% grade. These qualifications further strengthened her expertise in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) operations, climate strategy, and sustainable corporate leadership.
Professional Journey of Catherine Gee
Catherine Gee’s career spans diverse roles in environmental management, charity leadership, consultancy, and ESG operations. Her professional journey demonstrates her ability to manage complex organisations, drive sustainability strategies, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Early Consultancy and Organisational Roles
She began her professional journey as a consultant, providing strategic guidance to organisations in change management and organisational development. Between 2007 and 2011, she operated her consultancy, Catherine Gee Consulting, assisting companies and non-profits in achieving operational efficiency and sustainability goals. Her consultancy experience honed her skills in leadership, team development, and strategic planning, which became integral to her later executive roles.
Before this, she held leadership roles at Groundwork Tameside and Groundwork Merseyside, serving as Director of Corporate Services and Director of Organisational Development. In these positions, Catherine Gee developed a strong understanding of operational management within the charitable and environmental sectors, ensuring organisational success and community impact.
Leadership at Keep Scotland Beautiful
A significant milestone in Catherine Gee’s career was her tenure at Keep Scotland Beautiful, a leading environmental charity committed to promoting sustainability and improving Scotland’s natural environment. Over 13 years, Catherine progressed through multiple leadership roles, culminating in her appointment as Deputy Chief Executive from February 2021 to June 2024.
During her time at Keep Scotland Beautiful, Catherine oversaw strategic operations, finance, corporate services, and change management initiatives. Her leadership played a pivotal role in implementing biodiversity programmes, promoting community engagement, and guiding Scotland toward sustainability goals. Her work at the charity included leading projects related to climate action, environmental education, and sustainable practices in both urban and rural communities.
Current Role: Head of ESG Operations at DWF
Since July 2024, Catherine Gee has been serving as Head of ESG Operations at DWF, a global law firm based in Edinburgh, Scotland. In this role, she is responsible for integrating ESG principles into corporate strategies, overseeing sustainability initiatives, and promoting responsible business practices. Her expertise ensures that organisations adhere to environmental regulations, implement climate-positive initiatives, and meet stakeholder expectations in line with modern ESG standards.
In addition to her primary role at DWF, Catherine holds several influential positions in sustainability governance:
- Board Member, Scottish Environment LINK (since December 2025)
- Sustainability Committee Member, The Law Society of Scotland (since December 2025)
- Environmental Law Sub Committee Member, The Law Society of Scotland (since December 2024)
These roles reflect her dedication to environmental advocacy and policy, allowing her to contribute to shaping the future of sustainability and climate governance in Scotland.
Achievements and Contributions
Catherine’s career is marked by numerous accomplishments in environmental leadership and sustainable development. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving biodiversity, promoting climate action, and fostering community engagement.
Biodiversity and Climate Action
One of Catherine Gee’s key focuses has been biodiversity conservation. In her writings, including the notable blog “Biodiversity – Reflections on COP15”, she emphasises the importance of global and local action in protecting the environment. She highlights the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and advocates for urgent implementation to halt biodiversity loss, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable land use. Her work encourages communities and businesses to take practical steps toward sustainability, from local food production to biodiversity-friendly practices.
Community Engagement and Education
Catherine Gee is passionate about empowering individuals and organisations to act sustainably. She has been instrumental in developing accredited Climate Emergency Training with Biodiversity, enabling people to understand environmental challenges and take informed action. She advocates for local engagement, encouraging communities to participate in conservation programmes, grow seasonal food, and create habitats for wildlife.
Her leadership extends to higher education, serving as a Board Member at Stirling University Management School, where she supports the development of future leaders in sustainability and environmental management.
Recognition and Certifications
Catherine Gee has earned numerous professional certifications that underscore her expertise in sustainability and leadership:
- Common Purpose: Sky Blue Environmental Leaders Programme (Jan 2024)
- Common Purpose: Senior Leaders Programme (Jun 2023)
- Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership: Business and Climate Change – Towards Net Zero Emissions (May 2023)
- Oxford Saïd Business School: Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme (Mar 2023)
These certifications demonstrate her commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of sustainable corporate governance.
Leadership Philosophy and Vision
Catherine Gee is widely recognised for her visionary approach to environmental leadership. She combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, ensuring that organisations and communities can translate sustainability goals into actionable results. Her philosophy centres on three pillars:
- Sustainability in Practice – Embedding ESG principles into business and organisational operations.
- Community Engagement – Mobilising individuals and groups to contribute to environmental protection.
- Education and Awareness – Providing knowledge and resources to ensure long-term behavioural change.
Through these principles, Catherine Gee seeks to create a lasting positive impact on both people and the environment, fostering a nature-positive world.
Catherine Gee Age
Catherine Gee was born in November 1974, making her 51 years old. She has built a highly respected career in environmental leadership, ESG operations, and sustainable organisational development across the UK.
Catherine Gee Husband
Catherine Gee is married to Derek Robertson, a senior charity executive and Chief Executive of St Andrew’s First Aid. They both share a strong commitment to environmental and charitable initiatives in Scotland.
Catherine Gee Net Worth
Catherine Gee has built a successful career in ESG, sustainability, and charity leadership. While exact figures are private, her extensive professional roles suggest a substantial net worth.
Personal Background and Early Career Insights
Catherine Gee’s career trajectory reflects a combination of academic excellence, professional diligence, and a passion for environmental sustainability. Her early roles in consultancy, corporate services, and organisational development provided a strong foundation for her later leadership positions. Her dedication to ESG and climate action demonstrates her commitment to aligning professional expertise with meaningful social impact.
Her appointment to leadership roles in multiple boards and committees highlights her reputation as a trusted advisor and thought leader in sustainability, ESG operations, and environmental law.
Conclusion
Catherine Gee stands out as a remarkable leader in the field of environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. Her career, spanning consultancy, charity leadership, and ESG management, reflects her deep commitment to biodiversity, climate action, and sustainable business practices. Through her work, she continues to inspire organisations, communities, and individuals to embrace environmental responsibility and adopt nature-positive practices.
Her strategic leadership, combined with practical engagement, ensures that her initiatives create measurable impact, fostering a future where sustainable development and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Catherine Gee’s contributions make her a leading figure in sustainability and a source of inspiration for aspiring environmental professionals across the UK.
FAQs
1. Who is Catherine Gee?
Catherine Gee is a prominent UK environmental and sustainability leader. She is currently Head of ESG Operations at DWF and has extensive experience in charity management, organisational development, and environmental advocacy across Scotland and the UK.
2. How old is Catherine Gee?
Catherine Gee was born in November 1974, making her 51 years old. Over her career, she has combined leadership in environmental initiatives with advisory roles in sustainability, climate action, and corporate responsibility.
3. Is Catherine Gee married?
Yes, Catherine Gee is married to Derek Robertson, a senior executive in the charity sector. Together, they focus on supporting environmental causes, ESG initiatives, and sustainable development projects throughout Scotland and the UK.
4. Who is in Catherine Gee’s family?
Catherine Gee maintains privacy regarding her family. Public information confirms her husband Derek Robertson, while other details about children or extended family are not widely shared, as she focuses on her professional commitments.
