Kathryn Rowan has been the Executive Director of the Global Apprenticeship Network (GAN), based in Geneva, Switzerland, since September 2023. In January 2024, GAN Global launched Corporate Champions for Apprenticeships, aimed at promoting and advocating the guiding principles of the International Labour Organization’s Recommendation 208 on Quality Apprenticeships.
Prior to GAN, Kathryn held various roles with Nestlé both in Canada and at global headquarters in Switzerland, driven by a vision to harness the power of business for social good. With a strong background in human resources and corporate social responsibility, she has gained invaluable experience as Vice President of Human Resources for the Americas and Global Youth Leader at Nestlé, Global Head of Talent and Organisational Development at Nestlé SA. She started her Nestlé career in Canada, where she served as Vice President Corporate Affairs and, subsequently, Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Affairs.
Before joining Nestlé, Kathryn worked for the Food and Consumer Products of Canada industry association as Vice President. In this capacity, she also served as Executive Director of the Canadian Grocery Producers Council, a labour-management organisation focused on sectoral skills development.
Currently, Kathryn serves on the board of the World Economic Forum Global Shapers Community and as an advisory board member of 123 Next Generation, a Swiss-based start-up providing tailor-made services to companies to promote visibility, attractiveness, and growth across generations.
Kathryn is a graduate of the Institute of Management Development High Performance Board Program. She speaks English, French, and Spanish.