Seven HSBC leaders have been named in INvolve’s HERoes Women Role Model Lists 2020 recognising their efforts to champion women in business.

It is the highest ever number of HSBC employees to feature on the annual lists, published by Yahoo Finance, which celebrate business leaders who promote gender diversity.

Birgit Neu, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, HSBC, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many colleagues recognised. It is testament to the great work they are doing across HSBC in different ways to improve our gender balance at every level.”

Representatives from the bank feature in all three categories:

  • HERoes 100 Women Executives: Terecina Kwong, Chief Operating Officer for HSBC Europe; Amanda Murphy, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC UK; Sue Fox, CEO of HSBC Channel Islands
  • HERoes 100 Women Future Leaders: Melisa Turano, Head of Sales for Global Liquidity and Cash Management in Argentina; Anoushka Mehta, Head of Gender Lens Finance, Americas
  • HERoes 50 Advocates: Charlie Nunn, Chief Executive of Wealth and Personal Banking (WPB); Larry Tomei, Head of WPB for HSBC Canada

Many of the leaders are active in Balance, our employee network that strives to create a gender-balanced workforce within the bank.

COVID-19 has provided new challenges this year, with the bank keen to ensure its response to the pandemic aligns with its commitment to diversity and inclusion. In her recent role as Chief Operating Officer of HSBC Bank China, Ms Kwong oversaw support for customers and colleagues during the pandemic.

She said: “Both female and male colleagues went above and beyond their duties to help customers and other colleagues under demanding conditions while taking care of their families.

“Our efforts during the pandemic have helped the bank define a better framework and policy to support our colleagues’ wellbeing. This will help cultivate a more diverse and inclusive culture in the long run.”

Many named in the HERoes lists also play a part in advancing other forms of inclusion at HSBC. Charlie Nunn, for instance, is executive sponsor of Pride, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT+) employee network.

A top LGBT+ employer

Recognition for HSBC’s gender role models came in the same week the bank was named a Top Global Employer for LGBT+ inclusion by UK charity Stonewall.

The bank is one of 17 multinational organisations to feature on the list. Stonewall also handed HSBC an Ally Programme award for its efforts to encourage employees to show their support for LGBT+ inclusion.

Mr Nunn said: “It’s an honour for HSBC to be recognised again this year. While we know there is still more work to do, we're proud of our efforts to create a bank where there are equal opportunities for everyone, however people identify themselves.”

The bank has also recently launched a three-year partnership with Out Leadership, a global business network supporting LGBT+ equality.

A group of six HSBC employees talk together

Inclusion

We value difference and were founded on the strength of different people, experiences and voices. They are integral to who we are and how we work.