Personality of the Year
Nadine Chakar Executive VP, Head of EMEA, BNY Mellon Asset Servicing CEO, ABN Amro Mellon Global Securities Services

Nadine Chakar is a key figure in the growing securities and investor services business. Her already high profile was boosted by the merger of The Bank of New York and Mellon to create one of the largest custody banks and investor services firms in the world.

Nadine is executive vice-president and head of EMEA at BNY Mellon Asset Servicing, and chief executive of ABN Amro Mellon Global Securities Services. She joined Mellon Financial Corporation in November 1989 and over the course of her career has held a variety of management, technical and business development roles in both the United States and Europe.

In 1996 she took charge of a strategic marketing alliance between ABN Amro and Mellon Bank, which in January 2003 was formalised as ABNââ?¬Ë?Amro Mellon Global Securities Services.

Nadine says: “The way in which we have distinguished ourselves, and where our organisation is at its best, is when we can identify the issue in question, determine where the precise problems lie, and then mobilise all our resources to craft a solution that fits the client’s very individual needs.

“We have never presumed that we could simply walk into a room and tell a client ‘this is how it is done’. Rather we have asked them what the problem is, and then we work together to resolve it. This is embedded in our culture, in our DNA.”

Click on the play button on the left to watch a video of the award presentation.

The shortlist

Jamie MacLeod, Chief Executive, Skandia Investment Group
In 2007, at age 39, Jamie MacLeod was appointed CEO of Skandia Investment Group. This is the fourth major fund management business that Jamie has led. He founded Skandia Investment Management Ltd in 2003 and in four and a half years it has amassed £3.5bn, making it probably one of the fastest growing UK multimanagers. SIML is one of three separate investment management businesses that he runs.

Jacques-Philippe Marson, CEO, BNP Paribas Securities Services
Jacques-Philippe Marson is described by an employee as an “outstanding European” with a force of character that inspires passion in those around him, and a determination to succeed.
Jacques-Philippe began winning the respect and admiration of employees in 2000 when he took over the securities service division at a time when the future of custody was unclear.

Richard Wohanka, Chief Executive, Fortis Investments
Richard Wohanka has been a driving force behind the transformation of Fortis Investments into an asset manager that can take its place alongside the elite of the industry. This is down to an unyielding nature, energy and vision. He joined as CEO in 2001 when Fortis Investment Management was mainly a Belgian business. It is now a global player, with operations reaching from China to the US.