Our staff are in 2017 FT and HERoes Champions of Women in Business Lists

Standard Chartered is proud to congratulate Heidi Toribio and Chris Allington for being recognised in the 2017 FT and HERoes Champions of Women in Business Lists, which celebrate female leaders and those working to support and encourage female talent.

Chris is the London-based Regional Head of Financial Markets, Europe and Americas; Heidi, based in Singapore, is Global Head, Banks and Broker Dealers.

Pam Walkden, Group Head of Human Resources, said: “Diversity is something we value and celebrate. So it’s wonderful to see the work being done by Heidi, Chris and the rest of the organisation being recognised and, with the help of the FT and HERoes Lists, increased diversity being given greater prominence on business agendas.”

Standard Chartered has been named in the Bloomberg Financial Services Gender-Equality Index for the last two years. Six out of fourteen management team members report directly to the Group Chief Executive. The regional CEOs of Europe and the Americas, ASEAN and South Asia, and country CEOs in China, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria, the Philippines and Singapore are women.

As senior leaders in the Corporate and Institutional Banking team, Heidi and Chris subscribe to the view that the right gender balance leads to better decision making, risk management and client outcomes. Simon Cooper, CEO of Corporate and Institutional Banking, says: “If half of the population are women and we are not reflecting that mix in our business, then we’re missing out on some of the best people.”

Heidi and Chris are active sponsors of the bank’s Women’s Networks and passionate champions for gender equality. Chris – whose advocacy has led to a large increase in male colleagues getting involved in those networks – played an important role in the recent roll out of improved bank-wide parental and maternity leave policies. Heidi chairs Corporate and Institutional Banking’s D&I Council.

Both regularly speak at internal and external events around the bank’s international network on the importance of a strong gender mix.

They agree that plenty of colleagues deserve to be on the HERoes lists. “I’m extremely proud to be put forward, let alone recognised, but the team around me deserves the credit,” says Chris. Heidi adds: “I’m one face of our collective actions – the recognition should go to all of my colleagues who are focused on fostering an inclusive environment.”

Suki Sandhu, Founder of HERoes, said: “While there are a number of role model lists celebrating successful women, the FT and HERoes Champions of Women in Business Lists are different. They recognise those individuals who are using their personal success as a springboard for others, working to address the lack of gender diversity at all levels in business.”

The 2017 Champions of Women in Business were nominated by peers and colleagues. Nominations were reviewed by the judging panel, consisting of senior industry peers. Each person was scored on the seniority and influence of their role, their work done internally and externally to champion women, their recent and significant business achievements and the testimonial provided with their nomination.

For further information please contact:

Hsueh-Mei Tan
Head of Corporate & Institutional Banking Communications
Standard Chartered Bank
+65 6596 9289
tan.hsueh-mei@sc.com