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Lombard Odier partners with Women in Finance research programme
Lombard Odier is pleased to be a partner of a research programme entirely dedicated to women in the financial sector. Led by ESCP Business School and based on the established fact that women are still underrepresented in key positions in the financial sector, the Women in Finance research programme sets out to analyse the causes of this deficit, in collaboration with six partner companies.
The distinguishing feature of this five-year programme is its human resource-focussed approach. It aims to explore this phenomenon and to formulate concrete recommendations aimed at attracting, recruiting and retaining future female players in the financial sector.
Jessica Rabut, Deputy CEO and Head of Human Resources at Lombard Odier (Europe), commented:
“There are not many permanent research structures in Europe on this subject. ESCP wanted to create the impetus for long-term action. Being associated with a research programme also means ensuring that the topic is, and will remain, one of our priorities for years to come.”
Edouard de Saint Pierre, Managing Director of Lombard Odier France, said:
“As a family business, our priority is to continue to strengthen gender diversity within our teams in order to represent the varied profiles of our clients. Our Bank, which is B CorpTM certified, is now taking a new step forward with the launch of the Women in Finance research programme, on which we are delighted to collaborate with ESCP.”
An initiative of Lombard Odier (Europe) SA, the Group’s European subsidiary, this academic partnership has
an obvious European dimension, since both ESCP Business School and Lombard Odier are based in
several European capitals.
The Women in Finance research programme will be co-directed by Almudena Cañibano, Professor of Human Resources, and Marion Festing, Professor of Human Resources and Intercultural Leadership at ESCP Business School.
A ceremony to mark its launch took place on Friday 15 December, presided over by the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Pramuan Bunkanwanicha and Véronique de la Bachelerie, Member of the Board of Directors of the ESCP Foundation. A morning of discussions and exchanges was organised as part of the event, featuring roundtables followed by workshops during which academics, professionals and students addressed the following topics:
- Why is the representation of women in finance so important? With a keynote speech by Alberta Di Giuli, Professor of Finance and Director of the ESCP campus in Turin.
- Opportunities and obstacles for careers in finance: what challenges does gender pose? With a debate led by representatives of the research programme’s partner companies.
Participants were offered a choice of four workshops:
- Seeking a job in finance
- Encouraging men to join gender and diversity programmes
- Pursuing a career in finance: the importance of ESG in career choices
- Maintaining a work-life balance and finding wellbeing in the financial sector
The academic directors gave their view on the programme:
“The Women in Finance research programme is much more than an academic exploration. It is a catalyst for necessary transformation in the financial world. By understanding the obstacles and highlighting the assets of diversity, we aim to bring about tangible change. In this way, this programme becomes a driving force for equal opportunities, innovation and sustainable prosperity in the financial sector, demonstrating that a diversity of perspectives is imperative to the success and sustainability of our industry.” Almudena Cañibano, Co-Director of the Women in Finance research programme
“The Women in Finance research programme embodies our deep commitment to equity and inclusion in the financial sector. By investigating the underlying reasons for the lack of representation of women, we aim to open doors, inspire and generate concrete change. This initiative is not simply a study, but a call to action to transform the dynamic, and create an egalitarian and diverse financial future.”
Marion Festing, Co-Director of the Women in Finance research programme
The programme is committed to highlighting ‘gender advantages’, and examining the ethical underpinnings, performance, innovation and talent involved. It will explore the obstacles and advantages inherent in working in finance. The aim is to highlight the benefits of diversity, promote female leadership and provide information on the strengths of the financial sector. Far from being limited to mathematical and analytical knowledge, finance requires an understanding of the major issues facing society and excellent management skills.
Important information
This media release has been prepared by Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd, a bank and securities dealer authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) (hereinafter "Lombard Odier"). It is not intended for distribution, publication, or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, or use would be unlawful, nor is it aimed at any person or entity to whom it would be unlawful to address such a document. This media release is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to enter into a relationship with Lombard Odier, nor to subscribe to, purchase, sell or hold any security or financial instrument.
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