Formerly acting Deputy Head of Sales for six sectors, Head of Governance for HSBC’s Pride ERG in NYC, Co-Head of World Pride ERG Comms 2019, serial speaker for the Women’s network and Co-Founder of three people committees globally, Ian was the most senior black LGBTQ+ banker for Europe’s largest bank in the Americas. He frequently attended external LGBTQ+ initiatives, marched in bank colors at World Pride Parade and represented HSBC at Open Finance – a multi-bank Wall Street forum on LGBTQ+ interests. In June 2021, Ian authored Project Speak Up, his landmark report cataloging the nature, costs, and solutions to oppressive systems across world financial services affecting the LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, young people, and people of color. Later in July 2021, Ian choreographed and co-hosted the bank’s first ever live LGBTQ+ alternative stage talent show alongside the Chairman, reopening the first theatre on NYC’s Broadway following COVID. Following subsequent negotiations with senior leaders over his recommendations to help deliver new rights and opportunities for marginalized staff globally, he resigned his banking career the following month. With press reporting on his efforts in 16 languages across 120 countries, Ian’s singular actions delivered 5 D&I world records for meaningful change.
