Catherine Leonard

Catherine Leonard is a heritage leader and international cultural relations specialist, serving as Secretary-General of INTO – the International National Trusts Organisation, a global network of heritage organisations dedicated to protecting and promoting places of historic, cultural and natural significance. With a background in modern languages, diplomacy and international cooperation, she has spent her career strengthening connections between heritage organisations and communities worldwide.

She joined the National Trust in 1999 from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, bringing experience in international public and cultural relations. Prior to her appointment at INTO, Catherine led the National Trust’s international engagement, developing programmes such as the European Exchange Programme, the Arkell Youth Fellowship and the European Network of National Heritage Organisations (ENNHO). She has played a central role in supporting the creation, development and collaboration of national trusts and similar organisations across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and beyond.

Catherine’s work focuses on building resilient heritage networks, strengthening civil society participation and supporting capacity development in response to shared global challenges, including climate change and the sustainable stewardship of cultural and natural heritage. Through international partnerships and knowledge exchange, she promotes collaborative approaches to heritage protection that empower local communities and organisations.

She serves as a trustee of the Czech National Trust Abroad, sits on the board of SMILO (Small Islands Organisation) and is a member of the Council of Europa Nostra.