The Board of Directors of publicly traded companies hold significant powers allowing them to hire and fire senior executives. They also help companies set goals, and ensure resources are utilized efficiently. We introduce to you nine women who hold directorship positions on the Boards of some of the largest companies in the City making them immensely powerful. Find out who they are below.
1. Irene Lee
Photo Courtesy of HSBC Holdings
Irene is a director at HSBC Holdings plc, the second-largest FTSE100 company by market capitalisation. The British multinational banking and financial services holding company is valued at £147billion. Irene was appointed to the Board on 1 July 2015 bringing her over 30 years of experience in the finance industry. She has held senior positions in investment banking in the UK, USA and Australia and sits on boards of several other companies. Earlier this year, some shareholders of HSBC unsuccessfully tried to block Irene’s re-election on the board for what they described as her "over-boarding" – having too many directorships in other companies.
2.Holly Keller Koeppel
Photo Courtesy of BAT
Holly is a Non-Executive Director on the board of British American Tobacco (BAT) the third-largest FTSE100 company by market capitalisation. BAT is valued at £113 billion. Holly holds vast experience as an infrastructure investor. She was appointed to the BAT board in July 2017 after the British tobacco giant acquired its US competitor Reynolds American Inc.
3. Pauline van der Meer Mohr
Photo Courtesy of HSBC Holdings
Pauline was appointed to the HSBC Board on September 2015. She serves as Chairman of both the Group Remuneration Committee and Conduct & Values Committee. Pauline is a lawyer by training and held a senior post at Royal Dutch Shell. Her greatest contribution to HSBC is her wealth of experience in regulation and human resources management. She previously served as the President of Erasmus University, Rotterdam.
4. Ann Godbehere
Photo Courtesy of BAT
Ann was appointed to the Board of BAT in October 2011 and serves on its Nominations and Remuneration Committees. She has vast experience in the financial services industry spanning over 25 years. Ann loves gardening and collecting Art Deco. She has previously been referred to as a "cat whisperer" due to her passion for rescuing stray cats.
5. Heidi Miller
Photo Courtesy of HSBC Holdings
Heidi was appointed to the HSBC Board in September 2014 and serves on the Group Risk Committee. Heidi's expertise lies in international banking and finance. She has worked for some of the world’s largest banks for more than 30 years. Heidi attended some of America’s ivy league universities. She graduated with a BA in history from Princeton University in 1974. She also holds a PhD in Latin American history from Yale University.
6. Sue Farr
Photo Courtesy of Accsys Group
Sue was appointed to the Board of BAT in February 2015. Sue’s expertise lies in marketing, branding and consumer issues. She previously worked as Director of Marketing and Communications for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). Sue won Advertising Woman of the Year in 1997. In 2011, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bedford in honour of her services to Marketing and Communications.
7. Kathleen Casey
Photo Courtesy of HSBC Holdings
Kathleen was appointed to the HSBC Board on March 2014. Kathleen brought to the Board her experience in financial regulatory policy. In the past, she served as Commissioner of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). She has held several other top positions in the US Government including advising the US Senate. Kathleen’s educational experience spans law and international politics. She is a graduate of the George Mason University School of Law and the Pennsylvania State University, US.
8. Dr. Marion Helmes
Photo Courtesy of Finance Magazine
Marion was appointed Non-Executive Director on the board of BAT on August 2016. Marion has had an illustrious career managing the finances and operations of businesses across Europe, the Americas and Asia. "Marion’s financial expertise combined with the experience she can bring from other audit committees will further strengthen our company and our Board.,” said BAT Board Chairman Richard Burrows as he announced her appointment.
9. Laura Cha
Photo Courtesy of HSBC Holdings
Laura was appointed to the HSBC Board on March 2011. She acquired most of her regulatory and policy making experience working in the finance and securities sector in Hong Kong and China. She earned a BA from the University of Wisconsin and studied law at Santa Clara University in California, US. One of her previous roles was serving as Vice Chairman of the China Securities Regulatory Commission. Laura has been honoured by the Hong Kong Government for exemplary public service.