Kath Harmeston (Kathleen) originates from the Northeast of England, United Kingdom. She spent her formative years in South Africa during the peak of apartheid, an experience that influenced her commitment to diversity and equality. Upon returning to the UK, she pursued a degree in chemistry from Leeds University
Post-university, Kathleen delved into industrial research, discovering her affinity for dynamic environments and teamwork. This led her to operational procurement roles in both the Chemical and Electronics Industry. Her search for strategic insight in supply chain management propelled her into management consulting with Atos Consulting, focusing on procurement advisory services for various large-scale organisations across Europe and the USA.
In 2005, Kathleen assumed the role of Senior Partner at Atos Consulting UK, overseeing a team specialising in procurement within the Defense Sector. She later transitioned to an executive position at The Royal Mail as Group Procurement Director, spearheading a team responsible for managing direct and indirect spending totaling $2.3 billion. Her leadership facilitated significant cost savings and earned recognition from industry bodies.
Kathleen joined the DE&S Board within The Ministry of Defence in 2014, contributing her expertise to the oversight of complex procurement projects. Additionally, she became involved with the Breaking Barriers Innovations Advisory Board in 2018, aiming to enhance public service delivery in the UK.
Since 2019, Kath Harmeston has operated independently as an interim and C-Suite advisor, leveraging her diverse skill set to support various sectors. She is dedicated to promoting leadership, work-life balance, mental well-being, diversity, and gender equality in the workplace.
