Moelis names former banker Sadowsky to lead diversity efforts

Chief
executive officer of Moelis & Co., Ken Moelis (C), smiles
after ringing the bell to mark the company’s IPO on the floor of
the New York Stock Exchange shortly after the opening bell in New
York.

REUTERS/Lucas
Jackson

• Independent investment bank Moelis & Company has
  named Jane Sadowsky as a senior advisor to enhance diversity
  and inclusion.
• Sadowsky is a former investment banker and has also
  advised CEOs on leadership matters. 
• The appointment comes as companies across corporate
  America are taking a closer look at diversity issues in their
  workforces. 

Moelis & Company has appointed Jane Sadowsky as a senior
advisor in a new role to focus on diversity and inclusion at the
boutique banking firm, according to a memo seen by Business
Insider. 

Sadowsky, a 25-year Wall Street veteran, advised power and
utility companies as an investment banker at banks including
Evercore and Citi and has also served as a leadership coach to
top corporate executives. 

Sadowsky is being brought in to help Moelis attract and retain
women and other underrepresented groups at a time when firms
across Wall Street are trying to become more inclusive.
The #MeToo movement broadly has prompted companies across
America broadly to take a closer look at diversity issues in
their workforces.

“Diversity and inclusion at Moelis & Company, and the
financial services sector more broadly, can only be achieved
through a multi-pronged strategy that is shaped by those who have
bold, yet pragmatic ideas specifically tailored for our
industry,” said Moelis co-president Navid Mahmoodzadegan in a
memo.

Moelis has a number of other programs to promote a diverse
workplace including a fellowship to help finance business school
for women and minorities, a young leaders diversity program for
sophomores in college, and a veteran’s program. 

CEO Ken Moelis has
also said it’s possible that the next chief executive of the bank
he started might be a woman.

Still, women represent just a small fraction of senior leaders
across Wall Street.

According to non-profit group Catalyst, women represent just 16%
of senior officials and managers in investment banking.

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