Money managers have come together to support an initiative celebrating financial services executives who have shown leadership in diversity and inclusion.
The 2021 Global Top 100 Executive Allies initiative, launched by organization LGBT Great, spotlights 100 senior leaders worldwide who are influencing the diversity agenda, supporting the LGBT community and demonstrating a commitment to future action. Executives were nominated by industry employees.
The top 100 — launched ahead of postponed Pride events in New York and London — is sponsored by money managers including Fidelity International, Allianz Global Investors and T. Rowe Price.
The initiative comes as studies show that awareness of LGBT diversity among investment companies is low, with 70% of firms not considering this inclusion.
Allies in the money management industry include Paul Cove, senior vice president, investment product management and Natixis Investment Managers; Marie Dzanis, head of Europe, Middle East and Africa at Northern Trust Asset Management; and Lee Marshall, chief of staff, head of governance at the £3 billion (£4.2 billion) Church of England Pensions Board, London.
“In the last year, the financial services industry has intensified its focus on diversity and inclusion issues,” Matt Cameron, global managing director of LGBT Great, said in a news release. “However, much of the sector is still falling far short of the support needed for LGBT+ people at a time when this support is needed the most. The visibility of authentic executive allies is one of the most important factors for the community and we must continue engaging and role modelling support from those at the top.”
