Kate Robertson Biography

Kate Robertson is the Co-Founder and CEO of One Young World, the global platform that inspires, builds, and elevates young leaders to drive social change. Founded in 2009 with Co-Founder David Jones, One Young World has grown into the world’s leading forum for young talent, uniting delegates from over 190 countries to address critical global challenges such as climate change, health equity, gender equality, and human rights.

Growing up in apartheid South Africa, Kate Robertson witnessed firsthand the injustices of systemic racism and the transformational leadership of Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. These early experiences shaped her belief in inclusive, purpose-led leadership. Drawing inspiration from the values of the Olympic movement, Kate Robertson and David Jones launched One Young World to provide young leaders worldwide with a platform to collaborate and build a more equitable future. Today, the One Young World Summit welcomes over 2,000 delegates annually and is considered the most international event for young people outside the Olympic Games. Kate also sits on the Olympism365 Commission, advising the International Olympic Committee on leveraging sport to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She serves as a HeForShe Champion for UN Women and received the Corporate Citizenship Award from British American Business in 2017.

Prior to founding One Young World, Kate Robertson had a distinguished 35-year career in advertising, culminating in her role as Global President of the Havas Group (2013–2015) and UK Chairman (2006–2013). During this time, she led several globally recognised campaigns, including TckTckTck, a climate change mobilisation effort launched in 2009 with David Jones and supported by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The campaign rallied millions of people globally in the lead-up to the COP15 summit, becoming the largest petition in history at the time.

Kate Robertson has been recognised with numerous honours, including Advertising Woman of the Year by Women in Marketing (2012) and an award from Advertising Week Europe (2014). She studied law at the University of Cape Town and holds honorary degrees from the University of Creative Arts, the European Communications School, and a doctorate from Lausanne Business School. She is also the co-author of How to Make a Difference, a practical guide to activism and social impact.