Katie Bender is the Chief Administrative Officer at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. In this role. she defines the strategic direction of the organisation and translates it into actionable business priorities. She works closely with the CEO, proactively identifying issues, fostering collaboration and recommending solutions to support key objectives.

Katie also leads annual business planning and oversees governance and operating processes, continuously improving effectiveness and decision-making to drive growth.

Katie is a member of the Global Executive Group. She joined the organisation in 2011 and has been part of the investment community since 2004. Previously, she worked as a business manager at Octavus Group, a small firm specialising in alternative investment products. Prior to this, she spent six years working in HR for Guggenheim Partners.

Katie earned a Bachelor of Science in communication studies and history from Northwestern University and a MBA from Loyola University, Chicago.