President of the World Bank Group, Jim Yong Kim early this month announced the appointment of a Nigerian-Briton, Sandie Okoro as the Group’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel.
“Sandie Okoro is a highly regarded thought leader with a strong track record of developing new legal approaches in the field of international finance.
Her experience managing legal and financial risks at global financial institutions will make her a great asset for the Bank Group and our Boats,” Kim was quoted as saying.
Following appointment, President Muhammadu Buhari, in a message by his Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated Okoro on her appointment.
The President described Okoro’s track record in the banking sector as impressive, which has brought a rekindled hope that “Nigerians in the Diaspora with the right atmosphere, are professionally excellent”.
“Having followed her excellent track records in making Nigeria proud as a nation, there is no doubt in my mind that the sky is your beginning,’’ Buhari said.
Okoro is currently the Global General Counsel for HSBC Global Asset Management. She is also Deputy General Counsel of HSBC Retail Banking and Wealth Management and a member of the Executive Management Committee of HSBC Global Asset Management.
Before joining HSBC, Okoro was Global General Counsel at Barings. She has also been appointed to the Management Board and Panel of Experts of The Hague-based Panel of Recognized International Market Experts in Finance, which assists with the settlement of international disputes of complex financial transactions.
Okoro played a leadership role during the financial crisis particularly in respect to the mitigation of counterparty risk exposure.
Okoro has received several accolades for her work and volunteer efforts. Most recently, in July 2016, she was named as one of the 100 Women to Watch by the Female FTSE Board.
As World Bank Group Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Okoro will be the principal adviser and spokesperson on all legal matters. She will also serve as the legal adviser to the Board, management, the Inspection Panel, and the CEO of the Global Environmental Facility Program.
Okoro will lead the World Bank’s Legal Vice Presidency, which is responsible for all legal services provided to internal and external clients.
President also congratulated Nnemkadi Ogwunike, a Nigerian, who received the award as the 2016 Most Valuable Player of U.S. Women’s National Basketball Association.
“We were even more excited to learn that you have led your team to clinch the 2016 League Championships, a feat that hasn’t been achieved by your team, the Los Angeles Sparks, since 2003.
It is even more befitting and admirable that, as a true African and Nigerian daughter, you have set a remarkable example for your younger Sister, Chiney Ogwunike.
She (Chiney) joined you to make world history in 2014, when selected by the Connecticut Sun as the Number One draft pick achieved by your team, the Los Angeles Sparks, since 2003.
The legacy you began in 2012, with your selection by the Los Angeles Sparks, making both of you, the second set of siblings to ever be selected number one in any American Sports.
I am truly proud of both of you, and urge you to continue to extol the virtues and strengthen of Nigerian heritage. Your shinning example serves as inspiration to the youths of Nigeria,” Buhari said.
Source:bellanaija.com