Cate Prescott

Chief People Officer & Senior VP, NI

As chief people officer and senior vice president, Cate Prescott partners with the executive leadership team to maximize the potential of NI’s greatest advantage -- our people. She has engineered a Global HR team that is outcome-based and focused on solving challenges, working as people experts to be proactive, agile, and trusted advisors to the business.

One of the programs Cate leads at NI is Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). The DEIB body of work is dedicated to creating an environment where all NIers can thrive and do their best work. Output from this program contributes to the company's mission, strategies, and practices supporting a diverse workplace and leveraging the effects of diversity to achieve a competitive business advantage. Prior to her role as CPO, Cate served as NI’s HR director of global sales and marketing in EMEIA, APAC, and the Americas from 2013 to 2016. Before joining NI, Cate was head of HR for BAE Systems—Military Air and Information Sector (2005–2013) and head of HR for MVC, a subsidiary of Woolworths Group (2002−2005).

Cate holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in strategic HR and an advanced diploma in coaching from Oxford. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council, and former UK regional government ambassador for Engage for Success. Cate also serves as a board member of the Boys and Girls Club Austin Area, Chairing the Operations & Safety Committee. Outside of work, Cate enjoys spending time with her family, hitting the hiking trails, and discovering all the fun and "weird" things to do in Austin