Citigroup diversity program succeeds through top‐management involvement and focus on results : Cross‐business teams make measurable progress in 100 days

The European division of Citigroup’s Corporate and Investment Bank (CIB) has gone beyond activities such as conferences, awareness training and network building, to launch an effort focussed directly on tackling the obstacles to enhancing diversity and getting results. In March 2002 the division received a coveted Opportunity Now award for progress made to create an environment in which women can be successful. A CIB women’s conference the year before had highlighted issues critical to the CIB’s success in recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified women. The European operating committee made a commitment to sponsor action on these issues and asked Lynne Fisher, the newly appointed head of diversity, to take the lead.