Female employees at U.S. Bank and Citizens Bank were honored with the distinction of being named among the "Most Powerful Women in Banking" in 2017 by the magazine American Banker.
Beth Johnson, Citizens Bank's chief marketing officer, joined Leslie Godridge — vice chairman and co-head of wholesale banking — and Kate Quinn, vice chairman and chief administrative officer at U.S. Bank on the prestigeous list. The award annually recognizes the professional achievements and influence of the top-performing female executives in banking and financial services.
Honorees will be celebrated in a ceremony hosted by American Banker in New York City in October.
"Leslie and Kate are dedicated leaders who are helping us shape the future of U.S. Bank while influencing the day-to-day activities that drive our success," said Andy Cecere, president and CEO. "We are honored to celebrate this accomplishment, as people throughout our business look to them to model what it means to lead with trust, integrity and strength."
“We are very pleased that American Banker has recognized Beth’s contributions around innovation, digital channels and customer experience,” said Bruce Van Saun, chairman and CEO, Citizens Financial Group. “Through her leadership and accomplishments, Beth truly embodies the Citizens mission of helping our customers, colleagues and communities reach their potential."
Godridge, who joined U.S. Bank in 2007, is at the helm of U.S. Bank Wholesale Banking, one of the company's four primary business lines. She was promoted to the company's managing committee as a vice chairman in early 2016, and oversees growing business in national corporate banking, global treasury management, public and nonprofit finance, international banking and corporate specialized industries. Once regionally focused, the company's national corporate business banking now has national recognition thanks to Godridge's leadership.
Quinn, who joined U.S. Bank in 2013, oversees one of the most high-profile divisions of the company in recent years, and has been the driving force behind U.S. Bank's corporate strategy and brand transformation. U.S. Bank has a reputation as one of the most admired banks in the financial industry, and Quinn's work has ensured that the culture continues to expand its reach. Quinn brought an aggressive strategy to unify the company's brand, proactively manage its reputation as one of the most trusted choices in the industry, establish a strategic framework for future growth, and oversee the human resources efforts to build and live the brand from the inside out.
Johnson is responsible for corporate-wide marketing activities at Citizens Bank, including the brand and customer experience, and for advancing Consumer Banking growth and profitability by leading and aligning strategy, pricing and data analytics efforts. She also leads the firm’s digital team, including online and mobile banking. She serves on the company's Executive Committee, comprising the company’s most senior executives who provide leadership to deliver on the bank's overall business objectives.
"The women selected for this honor are tackling tough business challenges with great success. The vision they bring to their work - their diverse skill sets and extensive strategic responsibilities - show that there are many ways to have a big impact," said Executive Editor Bonnie McGeer, who chairs American Banker's Women in Banking Editorial Committee.
The annual Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance program, now in its 15th year, encompasses the following lists: the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking, the 25 Women to Watch, the 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance, and the Top Teams in Banking. This year’s Most Powerful Women in Banking will be honored on Oct. 5, 2017 during an awards dinner at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.