Adam is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager for EMEA at SMBC Group. He brings international experience spanning banking, legal, tech and the third sector.

Adam’s background includes strategic leadership, programme management, governance, and organisational transformation. His leadership style is collaborative, pragmatic and values-driven, with a strong focus on impact and sustainability.

He is also currently a Trustee of Diversity Role Models, supporting the charity’s mission to embed inclusion and empathy in schools through storytelling.

Outside of work, Adam lives in the Surrey Hills with his husband Rupert, their dog Frida and two cats named Rusty and Jasper. He finds inspiration in experiencing new cultures first hand through travel. He is also passionate about scuba diving, fitness, family, and a recent growing interest in viticulture.

(ah-NEE-tuh / She/Her/Hers)

Aneta is an EMEA Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and an International DEI Strategy Lead at MUFG, a Japanese global corporate investment bank. In her role she leads on the development and implementation of the DEI strategy and partners with leaders to make workplaces more diverse and cultures more inclusive and equitable for all.

Aneta started her career in HR working across a range of sectors including fintech, media, travel and financial services. In 2016 she chose to specialise in DEI to combine her experience, strengths and passion in culture change. LSE Executive Education Alumna and CIPD Chartered Member, Aneta holds a MA in Human Resource Management as well as Mental Health First Aid, counselling and coaching certifications. She has also been recognised as #FutureOfWork Pioneer 2023.

Aneta loves podcasts, theatre/stand-up, dabbles in the FIRE movement and spends a lot of time travelling the world.

With 17 years of experience across diverse facets of HR, Disha has shaped workforce transformation across India, Dubai, and London. As the Director, Global Change and Enablement at Standard Chartered Bank, she drives critical HR initiatives, ensuring organizations navigate change with agility and impact. Her expertise spans strategy, innovation, and leadership, earning her a spot on the prestigious 40 Under 40 list—a recognition of her influence in shaping the future of HR.

A dedicated executive coach, Disha thrives on mentoring professionals, helping them unlock their potential and lead with confidence. When she’s not driving transformation in the workplace, she’s chasing adventure—whether exploring new cultures, diving into the deep as a certified scuba diver, or embracing new perspectives through travel. She believes that growth—both professional and personal—is best fuelled by curiosity, courage, and a willingness to embrace change.

Suzanne’s role is to lead talent and growth for Convex and to support the insurance underwriting function as its HR Business Partner.
Prior to Convex, Suzanne has worked in HR across a number of different sectors within financial services, including Investment Banking, Asset Management, Legal and Insurance.
Suzanne is passionate about nurturing and developing employees to create bespoke career paths. to realise potential and support individual fulfilment.

Suzanne enjoys running, reformer pilates and being an EA, taxi driver and snack supplier to her two sons.

Darlene is a strategic HR leader specialising in cultural transformation, change communications, SMCR and learning and development. With a background spanning financial services, the arts and the charity sector, she brings a global perspective and a values-driven approach to shaping people strategy. At EFG Private Bank, she leads on embedding purpose-led culture through governance frameworks, data analysis and high impact internal campaigns aligned with risk culture, CSR and talent development.

She holds a degree in International Relations with Arabic and Spanish, a CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional Marketing and a Professional Diploma in Executive Coaching. Outside of work, Darlene enjoys travelling, reading and fitness.

Georgina is the Director, HR Business Partner at TD Securities, with over 11 years of experience supporting key business functions across two investment banks. She specialises in aligning HR strategy with business goals and has a strong track record of fostering talent and driving organisational change. 

Outside of work, Georgina enjoys reading, ballet, fitness, and spending time with her family, including her British Bulldog.

One (pronounced Oh-Nay) is an HR Leader with 20 years’ experience, spanning sales, coaching, organisation development, sustainability and HR generalist across the Financial Services and Consulting industries.

Currently, she is a Director at Standard Chartered Bank, responsible for Talent Identification and Succession Management globally. In her previous role, One led the deployment and adoption of the Bank’s Talent Marketplace globally.

She is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, an experienced executive coach and mediator. One is passionate about people and enjoys reflective time; hidden behind the pages of a book or listening to music, often it’s both.

Lydia is an accomplished HR professional with over 10 years’ experience spanning financial services, investment management and professional services, including various HR Business Partner roles.

Currently, she works in HR Governance & Regulatory Affairs at Morgan Stanley. In this role she leads the execution of key regulatory frameworks including the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR), and is a subject matter expert on HR policy across EMEA.

Lydia is a member of the CIPD and holds a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Business Administration.

Outside of work she enjoys travelling, keeping fit and spending time with family.

Beth is currently a Compensation Manager at Societe Generale and has a background in the Reward specialism across various financial services firms including asset management, insurance brokerage, private banking and investment banking. She prides herself on being able to bring fair, equitable and data driven solutions while advocating for all employees where needed. She has a BSc in Behavioural Studies, an MSc in Human Resource Management and is CIPD Level 7 qualified. Beth (a native Scot) has lived in Scotland, Azerbaijan, Switzerland, UAE and now England.

She spends most of her spare time with her dog Poppy and is training for her 5^th Hyrox racing event in November.

With over 18 years’ experience in HR, Jo is the Head of Business Partnering and L&D at ICBC Standard Bank.  Her role double hats as a strategic HR Business Partner and trusted advisor to Senior Leadership, whilst also leading and delivering the Bank’s Learning and Talent Development agenda.

Jo lives in Hertfordshire, is married with 2 children and has two Beagle puppies!

Eleanor is HR Regulation and Governance Manager at Brown Shipley Ltd and her career spans 20 years in Financial Services where she has also held Senior HR positions at Santander UK. Combining her strong HR generalist experience and SMCR specialism, Eleanor is now committed to demonstrating the value from embedding the regulatory framework throughout the employee lifecycle.

Eleanor holds a Post Graduate Diploma in HR, a Post Graduate Certificate in Business & Personal Coaching and is a Chartered Fellow Member of CIPD.

Eleanor is a proud ‘part time’ HR professional as she is privileged to also be raising the next generation, her son and daughter (and husband!) are her biggest cheerleaders!

Chris is Head of Learning and Development for SMBC Group EMEA and has over 15 years’ experience in the Talent, Learning and Development space, working in professional services and banking. In addition to the UK, Chris has spent time living and working in Australia and Japan and outside work enjoys camping, DIY and spending time with family.