Jie Hui Tan from Singapore has been named the EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year 2020 winner. The competition, now in its third year, is part of an EY Strategy and Transactions (Strategy and Transactions) initiative across the globe to attract the next generation of exceptional female talent to a career in corporate finance.
Jie Hui, a second-year student from the Nanyang Technological University’s Renaissance Engineering Programme, will participate in a 30-day multilocation internship working in close conjunction with EY mentors and EY Strategy and Transactions teams around the world to further develop her client, business, teaming and personal leadership skills. Pia Jurhar from Switzerland and Srishti Bhandari from India were awarded second and third place respectively and will embark on a 12-month mentorship program with experienced female partners.
This year’s competition saw a record number of more than 2,000 applicants and 228 participants from a total of 23 EY offices from around the world take part, with country winners traveling to Rome to compete in the global final. Throughout the competition, finalists focus 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.
In addition, global finalists undertook a real-life M&A challenge in collaboration with Snam, one of the world's leading energy infrastructure companies. The challenge provided them with exposure to the world of corporate finance.
Steve Krouskos, EY Global Vice Chair – Strategy and Transactions, said:
“It is critical that we encourage more women to enter the world of transactions. What we see every day at EY, and what clients tell us, is that diverse perspectives and experiences are hugely important when it comes to deal-making and delivering long-term value.
“Each finalist demonstrated very impressive skills and talent. Jie Hui is a well-deserving winner having demonstrated attributes that are key for a career in corporate finance. Jie Hui stood out throughout for her strong leadership skills, as well as her ability to take initiative and propose creative ideas.”
Jie Hui Tan, EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year 2020, said:
“During my time in this competition, I have developed a strong understanding of the deal- making world, the opportunities it can afford me and the positive impact I can make. I’m honored to have been chosen among such an exceptionally talented group and I look forward to starting my internship at EY.”
Building the future talent pipeline today
The EY Global Capital Confidence Barometer, a biannual survey of more than 2,900 senior executives across 47 countries, found that almost two-thirds of respondents (61%) are experiencing difficulties securing the right skills and talent.
Purandar Rao, Singapore Head of Transactions at Ernst & Young Solutions LLP, said:
“Singapore has developed into one of the large and developed regional centers for transaction-related work and presents a great number of opportunities for women seeking a career in corporate finance. The EY Strategy and Transactions team is focused on increasing the number of women we recruit, retain and mentor in a career in corporate finance.”
Graeme Browning, EY Global Talent Leader – Strategy and Transactions, added:
“At a time when talent is in short-supply, the competition provides female transactions advisors of tomorrow with invaluable insights into the world of corporate finance. In the bid to develop exceptional female talent, both for clients and EY Strategy and Transactions, candidates gain hands-on experience and a lifelong network of mentors.”
Competition leads to increased female hires
Since the competition began three years ago, EY Strategy and Transactions has seen a steady increase in the number of entry-level female hires.
Julie Hood, EY Global Deputy Vice Chair – Strategy and Transactions, said:
“I am incredibly proud to see the number of talented women looking to start a career in corporate finance with EY Strategy and Transactions steadily growing. In our efforts to demystify the world of deal-making, we have taken practical steps to broaden and diversify the EY talent pool and in doing so better enable EY’s clients. As EY Corporate Finance Woman of the Year continues to grow from strength to strength, I look forward to welcoming another cohort of high-performing talent to the competition in 2021.”
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Notes to Editors
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This news release has been issued by Ernst & Young Solutions LLP, a member of the global EY organization.
About EY Strategy and Transactions
How you manage your capital agenda today will define your competitive position tomorrow. We work with clients to create social and economic value by helping them make better, more-informed decisions about strategically managing capital and transactions in fast-changing markets. Whether you’re preserving, optimizing, raising or investing capital, EY Strategy and Transactions combine a set of skills, insight and experience to deliver focused advice. We can help you drive competitive advantage and increased returns through improved decisions across all aspects of your capital agenda.
Participating countries
Bahrain, Belgium, China, Colombia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Oceania, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States of America.
