António Horta-Osório, Chief Executive of Lloyds Banking Group, will deliver a key-note speech on Monday 22nd September, at the 2014 Women to Watch Reception which is being held at the House of Commons. 

During the speech, Mr. Horta-Osório will underscore his personal commitment to address the representation of women in senior positions within Lloyds Banking Group. He will also use the speech to restate the Group’s commitment, as recently set out in its Helping Britain Prosper Plan,to have 40 percent of senior roles filled by women by 2020.António Horta-Osóriowill reflect upon the Group's Helping Britain Prosper Plan and, in particular, the representation of senior roles filled by women. He will take a forward look at the Group's ambition of a 40 percent representation by 2020 saying: “My management team will tell you that I am fond of making public commitments. In my experience, it helps to focus minds…and achieve results! There is no hiding place once you have made such a commitment public.”

Long term sustainable change – not a quick fix

Mr Horta-Osório will also note: “The timeframe provides a window for us to develop a pipeline of talented individuals suitable for executive positions. We are – after all – looking to develop long term sustainable change, not a quick fix.”

Leadership
Mr Horta-Osório will also outline how he has made diversity a company-wide issue that is driven by meritocracy alone. He will explain how the Group has set itself up for success in this area and will end his speech saying: “Ultimately, Britain will prosper if more companies recognise the benefits that diverse, meritocratic organisations can bring. This is a goal we should all work towards.”

During the speech Mr Horta-Osório will also note: In terms of public commitments a similar approach was adopted when he joined Lloyds in 2011. A new business strategy was set in train in June of that year. One that was designed to transform the organisation into a leaner, simpler, more customer-centric retail and commercial bank focused on the UK. The Group has been relentless in executing this strategy, to the extent that it has largely completed many of the targets set, ahead of schedule, despite a more challenging economic environment than was forecast.

Achieving the Group's diversity goals will require a similar level of focus and determination. The results from the Group's latest colleague engagement survey that shows female colleagues are more likely than male colleagues to say they are proud to work for the bank which, in turn, has the effect of helping retain, and attract the best talent.