About me
Cate Hollowitsch is a powerhouse of marketing and strategic leadership, whose career spans decades of industry-shaping contributions across B2C, B2B, and private equity landscapes. She is the architect behind iconic campaigns, innovative operating systems, and strategic turnarounds, making her a sought-after advisor and thought leader in brand strategy and business growth.
Strategic Trailblazer with Visionary Leadership
As Chief Marketing Officer at Nesnah Ventures, Cate has crafted a legacy of success, leading enterprise-wide marketing and shared services for a private equity firm. She co-created the proprietary True North OS™, a transformative operating system for PE firms, driving improvements in operational efficiency and boosting enterprise revenue. Her Culture Canvas™ and Brand Blueprint™ frameworks have redefined how organizations cultivate brand equity and internal alignment.
Cate’s ability to steer growth extends to her tenure at Organic Valley, where she delivered consistent annual sales growth and pioneered award-winning campaigns like Save the Bros and Morning Report. Her leadership fueled international engagement and set benchmarks for impactful consumer connections.
Master of Transformation
Cate thrives in complexity, evidenced by her leadership in turning around three major companies for Nesnah Ventures. With a sharp eye for high-potential acquisitions, she facilitated a robust pipeline of M&A opportunities, successfully integrating major acquisitions over her career. Her decisive actions in leadership restructuring, market expansion, and product strategy rejuvenated these companies, unlocking profitability and sustained growth.
Global Perspective with Diverse Expertise
Cate’s career spans consumer goods, retail, healthcare, education, and beyond, with 30 years of global B2C and B2B experience. Her ability to translate market insights into actionable strategies has positioned her as a trusted advisor across agriculture, oil and gas, carbon fiber manufacturing, and hospitality industries. Cate’s boardroom acumen is matched by her operational expertise, providing comprehensive solutions that bridge strategy and execution.
Accomplished Author, Speaker, and Educator
Cate’s thought leadership extends beyond the boardroom. As the author of Confidence Counts and Mastering the Game of Office Politics, and as a 2024 TEDx speaker, she shares her knowledge with a global audience. Her role as an adjunct professor in digital marketing reflects her commitment to shaping the next generation of marketing professionals.
Recognitions and Awards
2x Titan of Industry Award Recipient (Wisconsin)
2024 Female Executive of the Year (Stevie Awards)
2024 CMO of the Year – Private Equity (C-Suite Insider)
Award-Winning Campaigns: Save the Bros, Call Us Crazy, Sizzle Awards
Driving Excellence with Purpose
Cate’s unique blend of creativity, strategy, and execution makes her a force to be reckoned with. Whether as a board director, CMO, or strategic advisor, Cate consistently delivers results that matter. She is a dynamic leader who inspires teams, drives growth, and creates enduring value in every organization she touches.