Leading the way in building a friendly, fun and respectful culture: A spotlight on Kate Hofstetter

Across M Group, we’re working to create a friendly, fun and respectful culture, with a diverse workforce that brings together a variety of perspectives, experiences and ideas.

We’re proud to celebrate Kate Hofstetter, Head of Service Delivery, who has been shortlisted at the Women in Utilities Awards 2025, for ‘Mentor of the Year.’

As utilities seek to improve gender diversity, the support of strong role models is key. With over 14 years’ experience in the water industry, Kate has been integral in driving a more supportive environment for women across our business.

Kate not only provides both formal and informal mentoring, empowering colleagues at all levels, but has also led the way in creating policies and initiatives to support our diverse workforce, as the chair of M Group Water’s ENABLE Network. Ahead of the ENABLE Network, Kate was a key part of the mentoring programme across M Group Water, formed as part of the Women’s and REACH networks.

Across our business, Kate has led M Group Water’s Women’s Network, which has inspired and supported colleagues across the business through webinars, events and mentorship. As part of this, Kate has been supporting her colleagues within the menopause hub, creating guidance around menopause.

The menopause hub has been a key resource in creating an environment where people across the business can share their experience and gain the support of their line managers and peers to ensure that menopause doesn’t mean putting their careers on pause. A platform hosted through our internal channels, the menopause hub is open for all to join, offering resources from guidance to business policies and a wealth of external advice.

Rebecca Harvey, New Networks Coordinator, said: “Kate has mentored me through both a new role and completing my PR & communications apprenticeship. I began working with Kate as part of the Women’s Network, where we collaborated on various projects. The support and encouragement I received from Kate gave me the confidence to push myself in both the network and to interview for a new role.”

Speaking on the importance of mentorship in creating a diverse workforce, Kate said:

“Throughout, my career I have been fortunate to have had great support, allyship and people who were prepared to mentor me to reach my full potential. I have had a very varied career within regulation, aviation, and water. Without the support I’ve received, I wouldn’t have got to where I am now.

My passion for mentoring other ambitious people helps me continually learn and develop. I am very proud of the teams I work with now and have previously worked with, acting responsibly together is how we deliver the best results across the business.

I support individuals both formally and informally to achieve their goals and am grateful that M Group is committed to mentorship and the development of our people.”

Across M Group, we’re working to expand our ENABLE inclusion framework, provide allyship training and create policies which support a more inclusive workplace where everyone is valued.