Kate McHugh brings ASX-level climate and sustainability expertise to Australian businesses that want rigorous, board-ready outcomes without Big 4 pricing. With a background leading climate disclosure and sustainability initiatives for organisations such as QBE and Suncorp, she has deep experience navigating regulatory pressure, audit requirements, and board scrutiny. Kate understands what stands up under examination and the difference between superficial compliance and work that genuinely protects directors.
She now works with growing and mid-market companies, helping them understand how climate and sustainability intersect with strategy, risk, and long-term value. An industry-agnostic advisor, Kate has worked across sectors including financial services, manufacturing, retail, logistics, agriculture, and mining.
Kate holds qualifications in Environmental Biology, Law, and Organisational Change, and is trained in TCFD and GRI frameworks, as well as a Climate Reality Leader.
Here’s a short Q&A to get to know Kate and how she works with clients.
What’s your biggest business learning from the past year?
Knowing my value. Like everyone, I'm not good at everything. But I'm really good at some things and I don't need to negotiate that with people who don't have those strengths, or don't value them.
What’s the one thing SMEs need to know to thrive this year?
Play to where the ball is going. Obviously, this isn't just for SMEs, but as SMEs have a much tougher time drafting the rules of the game, this is the way to succeed.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
Hey, Lovely!
What three words would describe you?
Resilient. Thoughtful. Witty.
What book or podcast are you currently reading or listening to?
Actually, I've just started learning to knit, so that's my mind expansion activity at the moment.
The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
If it is to be, it is up to me.
My dad put this up on our fridge when I was a kid. He attributed it to a quote from Ron Barassi (Carlton and Swans coach).
What’s something you wish people would ask you?
How can I help?
It's not really a question I wish people would ask ME, per se... But it's the question if we all asked each other, the world would be a better place.
Get in touch to explore how Kate's experience can support your next phase of growth.