Kate Ralston

Kate Ralston contributes specialized expertise in a range of industries with a focus on not-for-profit and social impact, playing an active role in all aspects of search mandates. She is a strong relationship builder and communicator, dedicated to connecting people and organizations and delivering positive experiences. She is also committed to promoting inclusive search strategies and processes.

Professional Focus

More than seven years’ experience in executive search and recruitment
Involved in searches for senior executives and other leadership roles in the public and private sectors
Successful track record in a range of industries with specialization in not-for-profit, social impact, and higher education
Proficient in all aspects of the search process: strategy development, research, candidate sourcing and assessment, project management, referencing, and reporting
Member of Boyden Canada’s National DEI Leadership Committee

Business Expertise

Promoted from Associate at Boyden, and previously from Project Coordinator
Project Manager at a prominent international executive search firm based in Canada
Special Projects Manager for a Canadian PPE manufacturer; managed website redesign, creation of e-commerce platform, market research and other projects
Senior Administrative Assistant at the Health Services Executive (HSE), administrative arm of Ireland’s public health services, based in Dublin
Earlier roles in sales and administration

Additional Expertise

Not-for-Profit
Social Impact
Higher Education
Arts & Culture
Public Sector
Communications
Human Resources
Board Services

Education & Certifications

Bachelor’s degree from University of Ottawa

Toronto

915-95 Wellington Street West
Toronto
Canada

Case Studies

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Power in Growth: Boyden's Strategic COO Recruitment for a Leading Agro-Industry Giant

In the competitive realm of global agribusiness, our client required a transformative COO to enhance operational efficiency and spearhead growth. Here, we share how Boyden identified and secured the ideal candidate, driving innovation and sustainability in a rapidly evolving industry.

Leadership Assessment to Support M&A Integration Business Process Outsourcing

Discover how a global BPO leader achieved M&A integration success through leadership assessment, aligning executive capabilities with investor expectations and driving data-driven organizational decisions.

Scaling Legal Capability in Global Markets

Boyden partnered with a leading sovereign wealth fund to place a senior lawyer for UK and European investments, strengthening governance, risk management, and long-term growth.

Thought Leadership

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Articles & Papers

How to Lead Healthcare Transformation Without Disrupting Care Delivery

Healthcare transformation demands more than change. It requires leaders who can sequence change, protect patient care, and align boards.

Articles & Papers

In Search of the Elusive Bilingual Executives: Beyond a hope, a prayer, and a dream

Featuring Marie-Hélène Gaudreault, Leader in Boyden’s Social Impact Practice

Articles & Papers

A First External CEO Leads a First Generational Succession

A family enterprise approaching its first generational transition found leadership fragmented across sibling-led divisions. Growth was possible, but cohesion was not guaranteed. By introducing independent executive leadership, the family gained clarity, strengthened governance, and set a foundation for long-term continuity. Here’s how unified leadership replaced complexity.