Press release

20 Apr 2021 London, GB

Kate Gatfield-Jeffries from Oceania named EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year 2021

London, 20 April 2021. Kate Gatfield-Jeffries from Oceania has been announced as the winner of the fourth annual EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year competition.

Press contact
Konstantinos Makrygiannis

EY Global Consulting and Strategy and Transactions Media Relations and Social Media Associate Director

Media relations and social media professional. Can talk about planes, traveling and politics for hours on end. Aspiring jockey.

  • Clarisse Gan from Singapore and Shama Abdulla Al Hosani from the United Arab Emirates awarded second and third place respectively
  • Annual competition aims to improve diversity and attract more women to a career in EY Strategy and Transactions
  • Record number of participants from across the globe competed in this year’s competition

Kate Gatfield-Jeffries from Oceania has been announced as the winner of the fourth annual EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year competition. This year’s theme focused on the EY purpose of building a better working world. 

As the global winner, Kate, who comes from New Zealand, will have the opportunity to embark on an internship in a country of her choosing working in close conjunction with EY mentors and EY Strategy and Transactions teams. Alternatively, Kate can opt to have the expenses of a professional certification of her choosing covered by EY. Clarisse Gan from Singapore and Shama Abdulla Al Hosani from the United Arab Emirates, who were awarded second and third place respectively, will embark on a 12-month mentorship program with experienced female leaders in their region and receive an EY prize pack.

This year’s competition saw a record number of applicants and participants reaching 3,426 and 289 respectively from a total of 23 EY offices from around the world. Throughout the virtual program, finalists focused not only on gaining technical insights, but also on developing broader skills, such as business acumen, inclusive leadership and teaming, communication and influence, problem solving and entrepreneurship. Global finalists also had the opportunity to participate in a simulation of a client case study.

Andrea Guerzoni, EY Global Vice Chair – Strategy and Transactions, said:

“Developing female talent is a critical priority for EY Strategy and Transactions. Clients want diverse perspectives and experiences when it comes to setting their capital strategy and delivering long-term value. That is why I’m proud that, as EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year, enters its fourth year, it keeps growing from strength to strength. 

“This year, each finalist demonstrated very impressive skills in a difficult environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Kate is a well-deserving winner having demonstrated attributes that are key for a career in the field. She stood out throughout for her strong leadership skills, as well as her ability to take initiative and propose creative ideas.” 

Kate Gatfield-Jeffries, EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year 2021, said:

“During my time in this competition, I have developed a strong understanding of the EY Strategy and Transactions business and the countless opportunities it can afford me, including the ability to make a positive impact while pursuing my purpose to empower and uplift women. I am delighted and honored to have been chosen among such an exceptionally talented group of women from across the world and I look forward to continuing my journey with EY.”

Kath Carter, EY Global Talent Leader – Strategy and Transactions, said:

“I am incredibly proud to see the number of talented women looking to start a career in EY Strategy and Transactions steadily growing. In an effort to demystify the work that EY does, the Corporate Finance Woman of the Year competition is a practical step to help broaden the talent pool and bring diversified views to clients to better help solve their challenges.”

“The competition is an excellent platform to attract the next generation of exceptional female talent, while helping them gain invaluable insights into what a career with EY Strategy and Transactions looks like. By focusing on creating the right mix, mindset and moments for all people in EY Strategy and Transactions, the ultimate goal is to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment for all to work in each day.”

Find out more: ey.com/en_gl/careers/corporate-finance-woman-of-the-year

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Notes to Editors

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Participating countries

(1)

Australia

(13)

Mexico

(2)

Bahrain

(14)

Netherlands

(3)

China

(15)

New Zealand

(4)

Colombia

(16)

Norway

(5)

Finland

(17)

Portugal

(6)

France

(18)

Singapore

(7)

Germany

(19)

Spain

(8)

India

(20)

Switzerland

(9)

Ireland

(21)

United Arab Emirates

(10)

Italy

(22)

United Kingdom

(11)

Japan

(23)

United States

(12)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia