FEMALE BOARD DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL EXPERT - Heidi Steiger

Im catching up with Heidi Steiger at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Shes left her
job as Eastern Region President of the Private Client Reserve of US Bank...
Why did you leave your job at US Bank?
The position at US Bank and the experience of being part of a large corporation was the
final step in my journey towards achieving experience in all aspects of the financial services
industry.
So now what?
As a qualified financial expert, Id like to go back to serving on corporate boards. Youll
remember that I had served on a number of public and private boards before joining US Bank.
Quite simply: I thoroughly enjoyed serving on corporate boards. I find it intellectually
stimulating, and I want to share the wealth of knowledge and experience Ive acquired to help
others achieve their own ambitions. Im longing to take part in top-level strategy-making;
coach a company to the next level; help a CEO build his or her company. In other words: help
others unlock their potential.
As well as the financial world banking, investments, insurance, wealth management and
brokerage Ive worked in consumer luxury, energy, media and real estate.
What qualities would make you the ideal corporate director?
Im a change-agent with a proven track record. An experienced leader in senior management
and C-Suite roles, with a collaborative style of working and leading that creates a prosperous
climate. Im also a highly dynamic negotiator; a trait inherent in women, I believe. And Im a
right-brainer in a left-brained world. This idiosyncrasy affords me a distinctive perspective and
allows me to converge my knowledge of the rules and regulations of the financial world with
creative thinking.
And what experience would make you the ideal corporate director?
Im experienced in highly-regulated industries as well as other types of businesses. And Im
familiar with statutory, GAP and MCEV accounting principles, as well as Basel 3. Ive chaired
various board committees and, as a qualified financial expert, can serve on audit committees.
Ive also orchestrated both hostile and friendly takeovers, led a company out of bankruptcy,
spearheaded succession planning for a future CEO, and implemented risk management
initiatives.

What boards would you like to sit on?

Ideally, Id like to be on the board of 3-5 different companies. It could be a large NYSE firm
with a focus on global business or perhaps a private equity company with institutional
investors and an ambition to go public or be acquired: my job would be to guide management
through this process, prepare and make the deal. Id also love to serve on boards in other
countries, preferably Europe, since I have spent part of my career working in Southeast Asia,
Latin America, a bit in the Middle East as well as Europe.
Why Europe?
My parents were both European, and Ive always had a fascination for exploring cultural
differences, as well as a desire to keep learning from other cultures. I also have a great deal
of experience in working on different continents and love the challenge it brings, as well as
the different approaches. I can lend my American and international perspective to European
business; Im also proficient in French.
Apart from the USA, Ive worked in Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, France,
UK, UAE, Bermuda, and South America.
Youve already sat on several boards?
Yes, and really enjoyed it! On one board I did three stints of three years; the maximum
allowed. The other companies either got acquired or bought another company, which meant
that my job was done. And once, a conflict of interest arose, when I joined US Bank.
Youre currently an advisory board member at North Carolina State University?
Yes, its a visionary university collaborating with SKEMA in France. Through the business
school, students earn a degree in Global Luxury Marketing. Its an opportunity for me to help
the university develop curriculum and also mentor students. The board consists of senior
executives from various industries who contribute their time and perspectives on the global
luxury market. Board members are very hands-on, in fact, with ample opportunities to interact
with the students for career development, hiring and internships.
You also serve on the board of Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL).
Yes, Im board director, chair of the finance committee and a member of the executive
committee. Ive actually served on this board since 2006, which has afforded me with vast,
insightful knowledge about this very complex industry.
And you are on the board of Business Executives for National Security (BENS) as well
as its Cyber Tech Council?
Yes, this is a bipartisan, not-for-profit organization, which works with all branches of the US
military, FBI, CIA and Treasury. Its a privilege to be a part of it.