Credit score: University of Birmingham
The College of Birmingham has announced the appointment of Sandie Okoro OBE as its new chancellor. She turns into the college’s eighth chancellor, and the primary girl to carry this place, succeeding Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE, who will step down as chancellor this month (July).
A graduate of Birmingham, Sandie Okoro is a distinguished lawyer and champion for equal rights. Presently, she serves as Group Common Counsel of Commonplace Chartered overseeing authorized affairs, company governance, and investigative providers features. She brings to her new position, a outstanding file of accolades recognising her contribution to range, equality and feminine rights.
“The great College of Birmingham is the alma mater to 3 generations of the Okoros, my mum, me and my son. So my connection to it is extremely particular certainly,” Sandie said on accepting the place. “I’ve adopted the College’s excellent progress very carefully since my days there as a pupil on a full grant again within the Nineteen Eighties – its dedication to impactful analysis, its give attention to creating an inclusive setting for gifted, minority college students and academic excellence are themes very near my coronary heart.
She continued, “I’m actually honoured and delighted to be appointed Chancellor. It’s a incredible alternative for me to provide just a little one thing again to the wonderful College that has given so very a lot to me and my household.”
Sandie earned her Regulation and Politics diploma at Birmingham earlier than turning into a barrister at Metropolis, College of London. After switching roles to solicitor, she held posts together with Head of Authorized for Company Companies at Schroders, International Common Counsel at Barings and Common Counsel for HSBC International Asset Administration. She was additionally Senior Vice-President and Common Counsel, and Vice-President for Compliance, on the World Financial institution Group.
Sandie was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) within the 2024 New Yr Honours for her providers to Variety in Worldwide Finance. She additionally holds a lifetime achievement award from the UK Black Solicitors Community and is listed amongst Metropolis A.M.’s Energy 100 Girls and Feminine FTSE Board’s 100 Girls to Watch. Moreover, Howard College honoured her with the 2019 Vanguard Girls Award, and he or she acquired the Past the Glass Ceiling Award from the Management Institute for Girls of Coloration Attorneys (2019) and Chambers 100 Excellent International Common Counsel (2019). She holds the distinguished title of Honorary Bencher of Center Temple within the UK.
College Vice-Chancellor Adam Tickell says, “To listen to (Sandie) discuss breaking glass ceilings and aiming excessive is inspirational and displays the perspective and fervour of our college and our dedication to championing equality, range and inclusion.”
