Caroline Ralphsmith

Caroline Ralphsmith – known to all as Ralph – has a career established on strategy, creativity, innovative thinking, data & insights and a can-do approach to generate significant and positive impact. Ralph has been the CEO at the Melbourne Fashion Festival since August 2022 and has led the re-imagination pf the Festival’s future to support, promote, celebrate, innovate and grow every aspect of the Australian fashion industry and to drive a fashion leadership position on a global scale. Ralph’s previous role was Chief Executive Officer of Fed Square where she led the creation and execution of a new strategy to re-establish Fed Square as a civic and cultural heart, a much-loved gathering place for the community and a truly iconic destination. This resulted in a focus on creating unique and world-class programming for visitors, an increased celebration of First Peoples culture and history and the enhancement of Fed Square’s reputation as a world-class destination. Prior to Fed Square, Ralph held the role of Executive General Manager Customer Engagement at the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) for 5 years where she oversaw all customer facing elements of the organisation including for the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Prior to the VRC, Ralph worked in Australia and New York in a number of senior strategy and leadership roles for NAB, McKinsey & Co, Mitchell Madison Group and J. Walter Thompson advising on strategy, creative thinking, innovation and growth to create organisational value. Ralph has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Master of Business Administration.