Dame Anne Richards has announced that she will be stepping down as chief executive of Fidelity International after five years in the role.
Richards is among the most decorated women in the upper echelons of the London asset-management scene, having previously acted as chief executive of M&G Investments and as global chief investment officer at Aberdeen.
Richards is outspoken on her views of the male-dominated world of City finance and has previously remarked on cultural progress in the Square Mile.
“When I look now at my peers and my cohort, I could reel off in financial services, half a dozen female CEOs right now today, without thinking too hard about it, 20 years ago, that was not the case,” she remarked in 2020. “So with a long way to go, we have made a lot of progress, there are all sorts of reasons for that, but a very concerted push on gender has unquestionably helped that.”
Writing on LinkedIn today, Richards said: “I am delighted to share that I will be remaining with the business as Vice Chair and will be focused on helping the organisation with its key external relationships, including strategic partners and other key stakeholders.
“I will remain focused as ever as CEO through this period of transition - details of which will be shared in due course.”
Commenting on her departure, Fidelity International chair Abby Johnson stated: “She made significant progress in building a more diverse and inclusive workplace, leading initiatives such as enhanced parental leave, carers leave and dynamic working, ensuring we are well placed to attract and retain the best talent in a post-pandemic world.”