Catherine Fritz-Kalish is Co-Founder and Managing Director of Global Access Partners Pty Ltd (GAP) and Director of the International Centre for Democratic Partnerships (ICDP) and ICDP Foundation.
Over the last 26 years, under Catherine’s guidance, GAP has grown to be a highly respected and one of the most influential organisations in Australia, with a global network of over 4,000 members and more than 1,000 people actively engaged in its various projects at any one time. Through its pioneering ‘Second Track’ programme, GAP initiates strategic debate on the most pressing social, economic and structural issues facing Australia, acting as a catalyst for policy implementation and new economic opportunities. Catherine oversees GAP’s diverse programme of initiatives that span many industry sectors, and is Chair of several GAP taskforces, advisories and steering committees.
Catherine’s broader business experience includes coordination of a number of international initiatives as part of the annual programme for the small and medium sized enterprise unit of the OECD (Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development), at headquarters in Paris, France; marketing and brand management within all 7 divisions of the George Weston Foods Group; and just prior to establishing GAP, working within the TCG Group of companies, particularly in the area of start-up incubator establishment.
Catherine holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of New South Wales and a Masters of Business in International Marketing from the University of Technology, Sydney. She has three children and is passionate about helping those less fortunate. She sits on the boards of the Fritz Family Foundation and Fritz Family Office, and is a member of the advisory boards for the Social Impact Hub and Huddle Design. She co-founded Thread Together which provides brand new clothing to disadvantaged communities across Australia, and has been the Chair (2018-2019) and Board member (2016-2021) of social justice charity Stand Up. Catherine is also part of a significant giving circle which engages whole families in the act of giving to those in need.