HEIDI STEIGER

Collaborative way of
working in senior management
and C-Suite roles
Heidi Steiger heidisteiger.wordpress.com
Creative visionary
Im catching up with Heidi Steiger at Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Shes just 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.

Heidi Steiger heidisteiger.wordpress.com

Creative visionary
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.

Heidi Steiger heidisteiger.wordpress.com

Creative visionary
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.

My skills
Branding
Marketing
Change Management
Corporate Governance
IPO/Flotation
Media/Government Relations
M&A Advisory
Risk Management
Turnarounds
Succession planning
Recruiting and managing successful sales teams
Investment management

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Heidi Steiger heidisteiger.wordpress.com

Creative visionary