About KenzieCo

Fractional Leadership for Philanthropists, Fundraisers & Advisers

Ruth McKenzie, Principal

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Ruth has worked across the family office and private wealth sector in Australia and New Zealand for over 15 years.

She has facilitated more than AUD $30 million in philanthropic giving across social welfare, education, the arts and health, working closely with families, donors, advisers and not-for-profit organisations.

Ruth spent eight years at Private Wealth Network, where she helped grow the organisation into a leading family office and private wealth membership network, supporting more than 400 ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families and senior professionals. This work gave her deep, practical insight into how family offices operate across philanthropic, investment-led and entrepreneur-driven models. She has also worked in large corporate institutions, including Perpetual Private, advising clients on their philanthropic intentions.

Today, Ruth works independently with private clients, advisers and not-for-profit organisations, helping them navigate complexity with clarity and discretion. She brings a deep understanding of the private wealth and philanthropy landscape, alongside a trusted network that enables thoughtful, genuinely useful connections.

Experience & Credentials

Supporting families, foundations, advisers and not-for-profits with strategy, structure and sustained impact.

15+

Years Experience

1000+

Trusted Network

$30m

Distributed

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Testimonials

  • "Ruth knows the family office and private capital landscape intimately. Her presentation on the family office environment at our recent strategy day was a standout, and our team benefited greatly from her insight and perspective.”

    - Hanna Kilpin, Sharesies

  • “Ruth has rare insight into the philanthropic universe and is able to engage with clarity and judgement. She is exceptionally well connected, highly practical and brings both substance and warmth to her work.”

    — Gina Satterthwaithe, Fife Foundation

  • "Ruth has an exceptional ability to navigate the sensitive and complex issues facing high-net-worth families — from wealth and philanthropy to communication and relationships. She brings deep insight with warmth and good humour, leaving you clearer and more confident about the path ahead"

    —Mark Ferris, Panalitix

  • "I have known Ruth for well over 10 years. Her knowledge and experience navigating the complexities of multi-generational high-net-worth families — including family dynamics, succession and philanthropy — has been built over many years and deep relationships. She brings a rare combination of pragmatism, clarity and warmth to her work."

    - Paul Chamberlain, Spinifex Trust

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