Transformation guru delivers Standard Bank Top Women Conference keynote address

Transformation guru delivers Standard Bank Top Women Conference keynote address

Esther Teeken

At the 2021 Standard Bank Top Women Conference, Esther Teeken delivered a keynote address focusing on the lack of women on boards around the world. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Institute of Directors has years of experience implementing transformation strategies which have also contributed to increased revenues and better functioning organisations.

Esther was appointed COO in 2021 following over a decade at Grant Thornton International, where she served as the Global Chief Financial Officer. Before her appointment, she assisted the Institute of Directors (IoD) on various projects which were aimed at reorganising the IoD’s operations. Shortly after taking up the COO role, Esther was asked to join the IoD’s board.

Founded in 1909, the IoD presents the perspective of the business community to regulators and lawmakers in the United Kingdom. Members of the community are able to access resources which can contribute to the success of businesses, including training courses and events.

“In my own journey to becoming a board director here at theInstitute of Directors, in London, I found a lot of confidence andstrength in having a supporting circle around me,” said Esther, who is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Within the ICAEW, Esther is a member of the female leaders network.

Before completing her finance qualifications, she studied Business Administration at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. Family is an important part of her life, and the time she has away from work she spends with hers. Esther is an outdoor enthusiast, sailing and skiing whenever the moment presents itself.

“She is a big advocate of greater diversity in the workplace,” says the IoD. It was at Grant Thornton International that Esther was exposed to the range of benefits that are available to organisations which have teams of people from different cultures and locations. Esther is also a member of the Women on Board network.

Source: Institute of Directors