To celebrate International Women’s Day we asked COURTIERS CIO, Gary Reynolds, to give examples of females from the financial services sector that have inspired him over the years. In no particular order, here are the five he listed and the reasons why:
1. Dame Colette Bowe
“I had lunch with Dame Colette Bowe in 1996 when she was CEO at the Personal Investment Authority (the then City watchdog). Impressive lady of great integrity that championed the cause of the smaller players in the financial services sector and worked hard to bring about changes to the benefit of consumers. Never got the credit she deserved from what she achieved at the PIA.”
2. Dr Theodora Zemek
“I sat next to Theo during a dinner at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in the early 1990s when she was still heading up Fixed Interest at M&G. Learned more about bonds that lunchtime than I have in the rest of my life. Extraordinarily talented manager that attracts tremendous loyalty from her staff. Natural leader and a bundle of fun and energy.”
3. Christine Lagarde
“Probably the best MD the IMF (International Monetary Fund) has ever had. She has been outspoken and politically astute all at the same time, and not many could have steered a course through the post crisis carnage of the financial sectors of the global economy and made it look so easy. Outstanding politician.”
4. Theresa May
“A Home Secretary that is unruffled by my Battersea rescue dogs charging out to greet her when canvassing at the last election is a force to be reckoned with. A terrific local MP, she shows great loyalty and works tirelessly, despite suffering from type 1 diabetes. Few males could match her drive and energy.”
5. Diana Choyleva
“Chief Economist and Director at LSR (Lombard Street Research): Diana is unusual in that she is both a brilliant economist and a great communicator. Born and raised in Bulgaria, Diana understands that economic decisions have real outcomes for ordinary people. She also has the humility to acknowledge when she is wrong (very unusual) and never boasts about the many things she gets right, which have made our clients a lot of money!”
