Professor of Marketing & Behavioural Science at UBC Sauder School of Business, Creator of the Award-Winning SHIFT Framework, Author of ‘The Elusive Green Consumer’ & Recognised as one of the Top 5 Marketing Researchers in the World by the American Marketing Association
Kate White’s Biography:
Dr Kate White is one of the world’s top experts in behavioural science, sustainable consumer behaviour and marketing. As Professor of Marketing & Behavioural Science at the UBC Sauder School of Business and Senior Associate Dean, Strategy and Responsible Business since 2025, Kate has established herself as a leading authority on how organisations can create meaningful behavioural change. Recognised as one of the Top 5 Marketing Researchers in the World by the American Marketing Association, she is renowned for translating complex behavioural science into practical strategies. Her award-winning SHIFT Framework has been adopted by governments, multinational corporations and non-profit organisations, making her a highly sought-after keynote speaker on sustainability, consumer psychology and responsible business.
After completing a BA, MA and PhD in Psychology, Kate began her academic career as an Instructor of Psychology at Simon Fraser University before joining the University of Calgary. In 2004, she joined the University of British Columbia, where she has held numerous leadership and teaching positions while helping shape one of Canada’s leading business schools. Alongside her role as Professor of Marketing & Behavioural Science, she served as Senior Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability before becoming Senior Associate Dean, Strategy and Responsible Business. Her expertise has also led to visiting professorships at the University of Virginia, the University of Zurich and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Kate’s research has earned international recognition, including the prestigious 2024 Sheth Foundation/Journal of Marketing Best Article Award. She has published more than 55 academic articles and authored the influential Harvard Business Review article, ‘The Elusive Green Consumer’. She also serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Marketing Research and sits on the editorial review boards of the Journal of Consumer Research and the Journal of Marketing. Her contribution to sustainability has also been recognised with a Canada Clean50 Award.
Beyond academia, Kate works with organisations to apply behavioural science to real-world challenges. She has advised global brands including Unilever, Starbucks, Procter & Gamble, Lululemon and the SPCA on consumer behaviour and sustainable decision-making. Regularly invited to speak at international conferences, Kate shares practical insights into behavioural science, responsible leadership and consumer psychology.
Why Hire Kate White?
Dr Kate White delivers engaging, research-led keynote presentations that help organisations understand how behavioural science can drive more sustainable choices and better business outcomes. Combining world-class academic expertise with practical experience advising global brands, she translates complex consumer psychology into accessible, actionable insights. Her presentations draw on internationally recognised research, including the award-winning SHIFT Framework, while providing audiences with practical tools to influence behaviour, strengthen sustainability strategies and build responsible organisations. Kate’s evidence-based approach makes her an exceptional speaker for leadership, marketing and sustainability events.
Kate White’s Career Highlights:
Here are some of the key milestones that define Kate White’s remarkable career:
- 2025 – Appointed Senior Associate Dean, Strategy and Responsible Business at the UBC Sauder School of Business.
- 2024 – Received the prestigious Sheth Foundation/Journal of Marketing Best Article Award for research on the SHIFT Framework.
- 2023 – Served as Visiting Chair Professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and spoke at the #Unreasonable conference.
- 2022 – Appointed Senior Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Sustainability at UBC Sauder School of Business.
- 2021 – Served as Visiting Professor at the University of Zurich and co-chaired the AMA Marketing & Public Policy Conference.
- 2019 – Authored the influential Harvard Business Review article, ‘The Elusive Green Consumer’.
- 2011 – Appointed Professor of Marketing & Behavioural Science at the UBC Sauder School of Business.
- 2010 – Held the position of Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Virginia.
- 2004 – Joined the University of British Columbia after serving as Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Calgary.
- 2002 – Began her academic career as an Instructor of Psychology at Simon Fraser University, laying the foundations for her internationally recognised research career.
Videos
Kate White’s Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Dr. Kate White delivered a science talk on sustainable consumption and how to close the intention-action gap for the lululemon Futures Innovation team in October 2023. Her talk struck a perfect balance between scientific knowledge and experiments, and relevant real-world data and examples. Dr. White’s passion for her work is contagious, and her expertise on the topic was evident throughout the talk and subsequent discussion. Since the talk, we have continued to collaborate with Dr. White in an advisory capacity on a project around sustainability, and her contributions to our work have been invaluable. I wholeheartedly recommend her as a speaker.” – Anouk, Research Scientist, Futures Innovation, lululemon Athletica
“In our third annual Unreasonable conference in the Fall of 2023, we continued to raise the bar on our quality of speakers, including Kate White, who was a perfect addition to the group. Because our attendees are mid-level to senior marketing professionals, we wanted research presentations that demonstrated a depth of thinking at an accessible level for non-academics. Kate was a terrific speaker, effectively threading this needle, by being engaging and thoughtful. She‘s definitely someone I’d have back for a future event.” – Tom, President & CEO, Young & Laramore
“Dr. Kate White has served as a guest speaker and led workshops for innovators from the private, public and nonprofit sectors to learn and apply tactics and tools for eco-conscious behaviour change based on the SHIFT Framework. Her knowledge of how to foster behaviour change and applied examples have proven invaluable. I highly recommend Kate as a guest speaker! – Rosemary, Project Director, Share, Reuse, Repair Initiative MakeWay Canada
Speaking Topics
Kate White’s Official Keynote Topics:
- How to SHIFT Consumers Toward Sustainable Choices
- The Sustainability Paradox: Bridging the Consumer Intention-Action Gap
- Behavioural Science 101: Simple Ways to Use Behavioural Insights to Encourage Change
- Nudging for Equity and Inclusion
- Behavioural Science of Sustainable Change for Organisations
How Much Does Kate White Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Kate White?
Kate White’s speaking fees typically reflect their exceptional career and international demand. Engagements vary depending on location, format, and duration; keynote appearances, conferences, and international events may command higher fees due to travel and preparation requirements.
