A conversation with Kate Atkinson, Vice President of Global Sales APAC at Hyatt Sales Force

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the call to accelerate action (the theme of the year) isn’t just a slogan: it’s a challenge to break barriers, drive meaningful change, and create opportunities for the next generation of women in leadership. 

We’re sitting down with Kate Atkinson, Vice President of Global Sales APAC at Hyatt Sales Force, to chat about what it really means to accelerate action (the theme for IWD 2025) – for women in leadership. Not just at Hyatt, but across the entire corporate events space.

Leaders like Kate Atkinson are shaping an industry where progress isn’t just talked about, but actively pursued. Overseeing some of Australia’s most sought-after event destinations—including Hyatt Centric Melbourne, Park Hyatt Sydney, Hyatt Regency Brisbane, Hyatt Place Event Centre, Essendon Fields, Park Hyatt Melbourne, Grand Hyatt Melbourne, and Hyatt Hotel Canberra —Kate is at the forefront of shaping spaces that bring business leaders together.

With a career built on driving growth and shaping the corporate and events landscape, Kate has a front-row seat to how decisive action and a commitment to inclusivity are shaping the future of the industry. Whether it’s boardrooms or ballrooms, she shares her insights on creating spaces where organisations – and the women leading them – can come together to collaborate, innovate, and grow.

As Vice President of Global Sales APAC at Hyatt Sales Force, you play a key role in one of the world’s most renowned hotel brands. What does “Accelerate Action” mean to you within the hospitality industry?

“#AcceleratingAction means going beyond acknowledging gender equality issues and taking concrete steps to empower and develop women within the hospitality industry. At Hyatt, this includes developing programs to support women in leadership roles by providing the necessary tools and resources, addressing barriers to career advancement, and offering mentorship and leadership training. 

Additionally, Hyatt collaborates with organisations that promote women’s advancement in the workforce. The goal is to create real, lasting change that fosters an inclusive and equitable environment for women within the company and across the industry.”

Women in executive roles often face unique pressures. How do you personally navigate leadership challenges while staying authentic to your vision?

“Navigating leadership challenges while staying authentic to my vision involves a combination of self-awareness, empathy, and continuous learning. I prioritise understanding my strengths, values, and goals, which helps me remain true to myself even under pressure. Building a strong support network of mentors and peers provides guidance and encouragement which often acts as a life line if ever in need. Balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments and my own well-being is crucial, as is leading with empathy and maintaining open communication. Be true to yourself, prioritise and stay focused on being authentic to your vision.”

If you could accelerate progress in one area for women in business, what would it be, and why?

“I … would be increasing representation in leadership positions. This is because diverse leadership teams foster more innovative and well-rounded decision-making, provide essential role models for future generations, and promote a culture of equity and inclusion within organisations. Additionally, studies show that companies with diverse leadership perform better financially, are more resilient and hopefully result in less turnover. By focusing on this area, we can create a more inclusive and equitable environment that empowers women to reach their full potential.”

What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of women leaders in hospitality?

“I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for the next generation of women leaders in hospitality by breaking barriers and inspiring women to pursue leadership roles with confidence and resilience. My legacy would be one where a career in the hospitality industry is a place where women can thrive, have a fulfilling career, and make meaningful contributions.”

What has been the most pivotal moment in your career, and how did you take action to move forward?

“The most pivotal moment in my career was being promoted to Vice President of Global Sales APAC at Hyatt Sales Force. This opportunity enabled me to lead a diverse team across regions with varying business challenges and inclusivity needs. To move forward, I focused on fostering collaboration, embracing innovative technologies, leveraging data to analyse the business, and prioritising the customer. By aligning my efforts with the company’s vision and maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement, I was able to contribute to the brand’s growth and success in the region.”

What’s one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?

“One piece of advice I wish I had received earlier in my career is to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. I used to view negative feedback as a setback, but I’ve learned that it’s actually a valuable learning opportunity. Understanding that setbacks and mistakes are part of the growth process would have encouraged me to take more risks, innovate boldly, and grow from my experiences without fearing failure. Even now, I see feedback—whether positive or negative—as a way to continually learn and improve.”

What are some of the most impactful sustainability initiatives Hyatt has implemented in recent years?

“Hyatt has implemented several impactful sustainability initiatives in recent years, including their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water usage through science-based 2030 targets. They focus on waste reduction by minimising food waste and single-use plastics. Additionally, Hyatt collaborates with industry organisations to promote best practices and create meaningful solutions for climate change. One notable initiative is their partnership with Goterra, a company that helps Hyatt manage food waste more sustainably by converting it into valuable resources through insect-based technology. This initiative aligns with Hyatt’s broader goal of promoting environmental sustainability across its operations.”

Hybrid and immersive experiences are shaping the future of events. How do you see this influencing corporate hospitality?

“At Hyatt in Asia Pacific, hybrid and immersive experiences are revolutionising corporate hospitality by offering greater flexibility and engagement. These experiences allow organisations to blend in-person and virtual elements, enabling them to reach a wider audience while enhancing participant interaction. Advanced technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), create immersive environments that elevate the overall event experience. This innovation helps corporate hospitality adapt to evolving preferences, delivering personalised, memorable experiences while maximising reach and impact.”

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Looking ahead: turning conversations into action

As more organisations commit to fostering diverse leadership, the hospitality and events industry plays a crucial role in setting the stage for the future: one where women not only have a seat at the table but are leading the conversation. Because real change happens in boardrooms, at conferences, in networking events, and in the very spaces where ideas take flight.

Looking for the perfect space to host your next conference, boardroom meeting, or corporate retreat? Explore Hyatt’s premium venues across Australia and set the stage for your next big move.