Katie Lahey
Katie has served on the Boards of Directors of Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc since 2019. In this role, she serves as a member of the Nominating & Governance Committees and Health, Environmental, Safety & Security Committees.
Katie’s qualifications to serve on the Boards include more than 30 years of experience in the maritime, travel, tourism, leisure, and hospitality sectors in a variety of corporate, industry association and government leadership roles, including within the cruise industry. Through her experience leading a leadership and talent firm, Katie also brings meaningful insights into human capital management,succession planning and global talent acquisition and development.
Previously, Katie served as Executive and Non-Executive Chair of Korn Ferry Australasia, a premier global provider of talent management solutions with offices throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. Prior to joining Korn Ferry, Katie served as Executive Chair of Carnival Australia and Chair of the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia, the industry group for the Australian tourism, transport and aviation sectors. Her previous executive experience also includes serving as Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, Chief Executive of the State Chamber of Commerce for New South Wales, Chief Executive of the Sydney City Council, and Chair and Chief Executive of the Victorian Tourism Commission. Through her leadership in those roles, Katie developed a rich understanding of media and marketing strategies, including the particular concerns of the tourism and transportation sectors.
Roles & Chonology
- 2019 – Present
- Boards of Directors, Carnival Corporation and Carnival plc
- 2011 – 2019
- Executive and Non-Executive Chair, Korn Ferry Australasia
- 2015 – 2018
- Chair, The Tourism and Transport Forum Australia
- 2006 – 2013
- Executive Chair, Carnival Australia
- 2001 – 2011
- Chief Executive, Business Council of Australia
- 1995 – 2001
- Chief Executive, State Chamber of Commerce
- 1992 – 1995
- Chief Executive, Sydney City Council
- 1989 – 1992
- Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Tourism Commission
Corporate & Charitable Leadership
Katie currently serves on the National Indigenous Culinary Institute Board, an industry-inspired and initiated program in Australia to create highly skilled Indigenous chefs.
Additionally, Katie also held board positions at several company, governmental and cultural entities, including David Jones Pty Ltd, Hills Motorway, Marsh Advisory Board, Australia Post, Government Employee Housing Authority, World Congress Centre, Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Australia Council’s Major Performing Arts, Melbourne International Festival of the Arts, Sydney Festival, and Melbourne University Press.
Among Katie’s many accomplishments, she was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013 for her significant services to business, commerce and the arts, and was also awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003 for her contribution to the Australian society in the area of business leadership.
Personal & Educational Background
Katie earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Bachelor of Arts with first class honors from the University of Melbourne. She was awarded the prize for being the top MBA student for her year.
