Ann Cairns

Ann started as a research scientist before moving into investment banking. She rose up the ranks in Citibank, then became CEO of Transaction Banking at ABN before joining Alvarez and Marsal. In 2011 Ann joined Mastercard as a C-suite executive leading all customer-facing business outside the US and concluded her career as executive vice chair.

Passionate that women should hold equal positions in the corporate world to men, Ann chaired the 30% Club (which aims to achieve 30% female representation on FTSE company boards). She is an advocate for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and was a senior sponsor of the Mastercard girls4tech programme, designed to encourage millions of girls worldwide to continue studying science.