Kate Purchase

Kate Purchase is an accomplished public policy and strategic communications leader with extensive experience at the intersection of technology, governance and politics. She is Senior Director of International AI Governance at Microsoft, where she leads the company’s global AI governance work and helps shape policy across international and multilateral forums.

Previously, Kate worked in Microsoft’s Office of the CEO, leading a team focused on the implications of technology, public opinion, corporate strategy and leadership. Before joining Microsoft, she spent 15 years in politics, including leading Justin Trudeau’s communications through his successful Liberal Party leadership campaign and the 2015 federal election. She later served as Director of Communications to the Prime Minister—the youngest person to hold the role.

Kate serves as a Trustee of The Royal and Second Vice-Chair of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which oversees the JUNO Awards. She is also a co-founder and Board member of the Jaimie Anderson Parliamentary Internship.