Christchurch Business Club elects first female president

Almost 90 years after it was founded, the Christchurch Business Club now has its first female president, and is looking to grow its female membership base.

The Christchurch Business Club (CBC) was founded in 1931 when a handful of businessmen got together to discuss the topics of the day and support each other through the challenging times of what turned out to be the Great Depression.

The CBC flourished as an environment to foster mutually beneficial professional relationships and get business done in a friendly and social environment.

Formally known as the Businessman’s Club; times are changing as it recently elected its first ever female president – Katie Foote – who is an associate director of New Zealand recruitment firm Graham Consulting and describes her new appointment as a privilege and an opportunity. 

“This is such a superb business organisation and one that is taking on a much more progressive look,” she says.

Katie admits that she certainly intends to grow the female membership base but adds that her primary agenda is to ensure the CBC continues its outstanding reputation for quality speakers, events and networking opportunities.  

With some of Canterbury’s leading names in business and politics as previous past presidents, Katie acknowledges she has some big shoes to fill but is confident she can do the job justice and is excited about the chance to do so.

“Christchurch is a city with a reputation for inspiring and innovative business leaders and particularly with SMEs that punch well above their weight. I’m really looking forward to working with them and passionate about these partnerships and what we can offer our members.”

Katie Foote can be contacted on [email protected]

Photo: Katie Foote with past president Nigel Babbage​ at the recent AGM.