Allyson Zimmermann named Executive Director, Catalyst Europe; Eileen Taylor appointed Chair of the Catalyst Europe Advisory Board (CEAB)
Zurich (13 November 2014)—Catalyst announces the appointment of Allyson Zimmermann as Executive Director, Catalyst Europe, and Eileen Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, DB UK Bank, Ltd., as Chair of the Catalyst Europe Advisory Board (CEAB).
Catalyst is the global, non-profit organisation dedicated to expanding opportunities for women and business. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Switzerland, Catalyst Europe comprises over 130 member companies and professional organizations.
“Allyson Zimmermann and Eileen Taylor bring a remarkable depth of knowledge, experience and commitment to Catalyst’s work in Europe. They will strengthen considerably our power to increase women’s representation on corporate boards and in C-suites across the region as well as to help develop a robust leadership pipeline,” said Deborah Gillis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Catalyst.
In her new position, Ms. Zimmermann will lead Catalyst’s operations and strategic growth in Europe, while continuing to raise awareness of its global research, events and membership benefits. A citizen of both Switzerland and the United States, Ms. Zimmermann joined Catalyst in 2007 and has been instrumental in building its presence and member base in the region. In her most recent role as Senior Director, she demonstrated an outstanding ability to focus on results, build relationships, engage members, and inspire change. She has delivered master classes and advisory sessions across a variety of topics relating to the advancement of women and inclusive workplaces—within Europe and globally, and she is often quoted in the media.
“Catalyst is committed to solutions that will advance both women and business”, said Ms. Zimmermann. “As momentum in Europe builds toward more gender-balanced leadership, I’m delighted to be at its vanguard, helping organisations to develop a culture that will enable them to leverage the best and brightest leadership talent, regardless of gender.”
As Chair of the CEAB, Ms. Taylor will lead the exceptional group of senior business leaders who provide support and guidance on Catalyst’s work in Europe. Ms. Taylor joined the CEAB in March 2009, when she was Managing Director and Global Head of Diversity for Deutsche Bank, where she was responsible for the bank’s diversity strategy, including an acclaimed programme focused on executive sponsorship of high-potential women. Since joining the CEAB, she has shown passion, commitment and a keen eye for strategic opportunities for Catalyst’s growth in Europe. Currently based in London, she has also worked in New York, Tokyo and Singapore.
“I am delighted at this opportunity to deepen my relationship with Catalyst and to collaborate with European leaders on this critical business agenda,” said Ms. Taylor.
ABOUT CATALYST EUROPE LTD
Catalyst Europe LTD
was founded in 2006 to provide Europe-specific, creative solutions promoting organizational inclusion and workplace innovation. From its thought-provoking events to discussions with individual members, Catalyst Europe brings fact-based, culturally relevant insight to every exchange.
ABOUT CATALYST
Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit membership organization expanding opportunities for women and business. With offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan and more than 700 member organizations, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women’s advancement with the Catalyst Award.
Media Contacts:
Frances Knox, Frankly PR
+ 44 7850 470123
[email protected]