She has been instrumental in establishing a global partnership between businesses and the United Nations, and has led to a greater role for businesses in the formation of UN economic policy.

Previously, she worked with the World Economic Forum in Geneva, where she became Managing Director and was responsible for organizing and publicizing the annual meeting in Davos. She holds board and advisory board memberships on the Institute of International Education, the International Crisis Group, the EastWest Institute, Open Society Foundations, the Elliott School of International Affairs (George Washington University), among others.

Cattaui, who is of Swiss nationality and Greek origin, was educated in the United States. She is an Honors graduate of Harvard University.