In Conversation with Catherine Lewis La Torre CBE: Leading Through a Crisis
Taking the reigns at the British Business Bank at a critical time for the UK economy
Wednesday 18th February | Drawing Room | £15.00
Join us for an in-conversation event with Rag member Helen Erhabor and Catherine Lewis La Torre CBE. Together, they will explore what it means to lead through a crisis, with Catherine reflecting on taking the reins at the British Business Bank at a critical moment for the UK economy. A respected and influential figure in British business, Catherine brings first-hand insight from operating at the highest levels during periods of change and uncertainty.
Afterwards, you are warmly invited to continue the conversation over a two-course supper in the Coffee Room, where our Guest Speaker will join us in a relaxed and convivial setting.
About:
Catherine Lewis La Torre CBE is a highly experienced executive and non-executive leader in financial services, with more than 35 years of investment experience specialising in private capital markets. She is the former Chief Executive of the British Business Bank, where she led the Bank’s private credit, venture capital, and growth equity investment businesses, playing a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s innovation economy and scaling high-growth companies.
Catherine currently serves on the boards of Alantra Partners (listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange), Cumulus Oncology, and HSBC Innovation Banking, a specialist banking provider for fast-growing companies and investment funds. She is also an advisor to Octopus Energy and sits on the board of Cirrata, a growth equity fund investing in critical climate technologies.
Throughout her career, Catherine has invested both as a Principal and as a Limited Partner across a broad range of industry sectors and technology verticals. She is a former Partner at European private equity firms Fondinvest Capital in France and Proventure in Switzerland, which she co-founded. She has a strong track record of managing funds and investments for institutional investors globally and has advised domestic and international sovereign wealth funds on private capital strategies.
In recognition of her services to business, Catherine was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours List 2025 and has been granted the Freedom of the City of London. She has been recognised in multiple industry listings, including Inspiring Fifty Women in Tech 2024, Real Deals Top 20 Most Influential, the P2P Power 50, and Cranfield School of Management Women to Watch.
Catherine holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Economics (First Class Honours) from the London School of Economics.