Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

Giving Voice to Women’s Momentum in the Workplace: #IWD Career Insight from BNY Mellon President Karen Peetz

IWD Campaign Virtual Mentor: Remember These 5 Things...
Mar 6, 2014 10:45 AM ET
Campaign: BNY Mellon: Invested in Our People
Karen Peetz, President of BNY Mellon, oversees the company's global client management, regional management, human resources functions and its treasury services business. She also leads the company's strategic growth and global innovation efforts. She has consistently been named among American Banker's "25 Most Powerful Women in Banking." In 2011, Karen ranked #1 in this survey, based on her responsibilities, management style, crisis management skills, influence within the industry and charitable endeavors.

#BNYMellonwomensday

Women now yield unprecedented economic and financial clout -- making up nearly two-thirds of the U.S. work force and frequently out-earning their spouses. Yet they have traditionally been underrepresented in the corner office, as well as in the ranks of financial advisors.

If you had 5 minutes with an inspirational woman leader what could you find out?

In celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month in the U.S., BNY Mellon's executives share their career insights and perspectives on their journey to the corner office. These dedicated leader-coaches share many common traits and values, reflecting how BNY Mellon has become the Investments Company for the World.

BNY Mellon President Karen Peetz on the five things I would tell my 21-year-old self if I were just getting started:
  1. Set goals annually and be rigorous about achieving them. This keeps you focused and poised to grow.
     
  2. Develop leadership skills as early in your career as possible. Take on assignments that will give you the opportunity to demonstrate leadership to others.
     
  3. Embrace diverse job experiences and think broadly about your career as a collection of these experiences. Diversification translates to skills and greater leadership potential.
     
  4. Act with confidence and make sure you are heard.
     
  5. Do it. Really go for it. You are your own best advocate.

Karen Peetz, President of BNY Mellon, oversees the company's global client management, regional management, human resources functions and its treasury services business. She also leads the company's strategic growth and global innovation efforts.

Prior to her appointment as President in January 2013, she led BNY Mellon's Financial Markets & Treasury Services group, comprised of the alternative investment services, broker-dealer and advisor services, corporate trust, depositary receipts, and treasury services businesses.

She has consistently been named among American Banker's "25 Most Powerful Women in Banking." In 2011, Karen ranked #1 in this survey, based on her responsibilities, management style, crisis management skills, influence within the industry and charitable endeavors.

Karen is on the Board of Directors for SIFMA, the Private Export Funding Corporation (PEFCO), SunCoke Energy, as well as the American Red Cross Greater New York Region. She is the former Chair of the Board for United Way of New York City and Penn State University Board of Trustees.

She received a Bachelor of Science degree from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University.