Who is Who
Cathy Hoy is the CEO and Co-founder of CLO100 and a respected global Learning and Organizational Development leader. With a career spanning major brands and international roles, she is known for elevating L and D into a strategic business function. Through CLO100, Cathy empowers learning leaders to build commercial confidence, influence executive decision making, and shape high-impact learning cultures across organizations.
A Purpose Ignited
Every leader has a defining moment when their purpose becomes unmistakably clear. For Cathy Hoy, that moment emerged through countless conversations with Learning and Development professionals who felt capable of influencing strategy but lacked the recognition, confidence, or organizational structure to step into that level of leadership. These stories revealed a persistent challenge in the field. Many learning professionals were doing work that shaped their organizations, yet remained positioned as operational contributors rather than strategic voices. Understanding this gap sparked the purpose that would define Cathy’s work for decades to come. Her career reflects a commitment to elevating the influence of L and D and empowering its leaders to drive meaningful business outcomes.
Foundation: Early Influences, Academic Roots, and the Building Blocks of Strategic Learning Leadership
Cathy’s foundation in Learning and Organizational Development began long before she stepped into executive roles. Her early studies in Business and Psychology at Itchen College shaped her understanding of human behavior, organizational dynamics, and the relationship between learning and performance. These formative academic years built the groundwork for her future leadership philosophy, emphasizing both commercial thinking and human centered development. Cathy’s early influences provided her with a dual lens that would remain central to her career. Her work continues to combine an appreciation for how people learn and grow with a clear understanding of the business environments they operate within.
Ascent: A Career Rising Through Global Organizations, Strategic Leadership Roles, and Deep Industry Expertise
Cathy’s ascent within the learning profession is defined by a series of influential leadership roles across global organizations. She developed her expertise in environments that demanded both agility and strategic thinking. These experiences shaped her reputation as a leader with deep insight into learning cultures and organizational transformation.
Her journey included impactful roles at Tesco, Expedia Group, Coca Cola European Partners, and British Gas, where she influenced learning strategies across complex environments. She later accelerated her leadership reach as Global L and D Director at Soho House and Co., overseeing learning and development, Diversity and Inclusion, and global engagement. This role allowed her to work across diverse cultures and business models, strengthening her understanding of global learning ecosystems.
Cathy also led Creative Bubble Learning Ltd., where she supported internal L and D teams with tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of their organizations. Her strategic experience expanded further as Chief Learning Officer at The Learning and Performance Institute, where she guided product development, industry accreditations, and strategic consulting focused on learning excellence.
Impact: Transforming L and D Through CLO100 and Empowering Learning Leaders to Influence the Future of Work
Cathy’s greatest professional impact emerged with the creation of CLO100. As CEO and Co founder, she expanded her long standing mission into a movement dedicated to elevating learning leaders. CLO100 empowers L and D professionals to become strategic thinkers who influence organizational direction and demonstrate measurable business value.
Through the Learning Leaders Programme, built in partnership with Leeds University Business School, Cathy equips learning leaders with commercial insight, executive presence, and strategic clarity. Graduates earn the Executive Certificate in Strategic Learning Leadership, a credential that recognizes their readiness to lead at senior levels.
Cathy often reflects on the importance of preparing learning leaders for strategic influence. After hosting a major CLO100 leadership forum, she noted, “It is powerful to see learning leaders preparing for the business conversations that shape the future of work.” Her influence continues to guide leaders as they navigate emerging trends, including AI adoption, human skills development, and the evolving expectations of the modern workforce.
Vision for the Future: Advancing Strategic Learning Leadership and Empowering L and D to Shape Organizational Success
Cathy’s vision for the future centers on elevating L and D as a strategic partner in organizational growth. She continues to champion conversations about commercial acumen, executive influence, and strategic positioning, encouraging learning leaders to embrace both curiosity and courage as the workplace transforms.
Her insights on AI and workforce readiness highlight her belief that leaders must prepare themselves for new realities shaped by technology, shifting skills demands, and evolving cultural expectations. As she recently shared, “The future of L and D depends on our willingness to challenge assumptions and shape the conversations that matter most.”
Cathy remains committed to pushing the field forward. Through CLO100’s events, thought leadership, and community driven learning networks, she is building pathways for leaders to grow, contribute, and shape organizational strategy with confidence.
A Career Defined by Purpose, Strategic Vision, and a Commitment to Elevating Learning Leaders
Cathy Hoy’s journey is a reflection of leadership grounded in purpose, strategic insight, and a dedication to advancing the role of Learning and Development. Her work continues to inspire professionals across industries to expand their influence, strengthen their strategic capabilities, and lead with confidence in a changing world.
Editorial Note
Cathy’s career challenges every learning professional to consider how they can deepen their strategic voice and contribute more intentionally to their organization’s success. Her philosophy reinforces that when learning leaders combine business understanding with clarity, communication, and continuous growth, they can transform not only their own roles but the organizations they support.
