Kate Hobhouse holds the position of Deputy Chair of Fortnum & Mason. Prior to this, Kate was Chair, a role she held from 2008-2025. Kate is steeped in the tradition and heritage of Fortnum’s, having joined the business in 1985. Kate has led a programme of refurbishment and regeneration at the Piccadilly store and has steered the company to greatly improved financial performance. Kate has a passion for artisan production and is a keen supporter of British craftsmanship. She is a trustee of the Garfield Weston Foundation and a director of Wittington Investments. Kate is married with a daughter and four sons.