Helena started her career at the asset management company Schroders, working at the New York bond desk. After working in New York for a period of time, Helena returned to the UK, working at London Schroders. It was at this point in her career that Helena became concerned with the lack of females in the profession, being the only female in a team of 16. She was also denied promotion with the firm, deemed uncommitted due to children. Disappointed by the mistreatment of women at the firm, Helena then moved to work for Newton Investment Management.
Upon moving to Newton Investment Management, Helena’s career thrived. Initially joining as a fixed income fund manager, Helena was ultimately appointed as Chief Executive of Newton Investment Management in 2015. Under her watch, the company went from strength to strength and experienced substantial asset growth, taking their worth from £20bn to an incredible £50bn. Her time at the company emphasised to her that women were worthy of holding influential positions in business, and so she channelled her passion to found the 30% Club.
Launched in 2010, the 30% Club pioneered Helena’s vision to increase the number of women and promote a gender balance on corporate boards in the UK. By 2019 Helena’s vision had been successful, with women now taking the statistic of 30% of FTSE350 directors and 14 other 30% clubs being established around the globe. Helena has also written a book, titled A Good Time to Be a Girl, which documents how people can work towards a more inclusive society.
Her work pioneering and revolutionising gender balance of the workplace has landed Helena numerous awards. Fortune Magazine has recognised Helena as one of the World’s Greatest 50 Leaders and the Financial Times has awarded her the 2017 Person of the Year award. She was appointed CBE in the 2012 New Year Honours, which was then promoted in the 2017 Birthday Honours to DBE in accordance with her commitment to diversity in finance.
Now a highly sought-after speaker, Helena delivers talks on her vision to incorporate gender balance into the workplace and practical solutions on how to do so. A pioneer of diversity and inclusion, Helena is a prominent figure revolutionising the future of female business. A strong individual, who is mother to nine, pushes boundaries and continually proves people wrong. Influential, inspirational and motivating, Helena is the perfect speaker to encourage a more diverse workforce.
