Former Virgin Money boss snubs Bank of England for top Salesforce job
Former Virgin Money chief executive Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia has shunned a prospective job at the Bank of England to instead head up the British business of software giant Salesforce.
The US tech firm, which is planning to inject $2.5bn (£2.05bn) into its UK business in the next five years, said Gadhia would begin the role on 1 October.
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The appointment means Gadhia will not take up a planned role on the Bank of England’s financial policy committee, the group which oversees the safety of the financial system.
Gadhia’s appointment to the committee would have meant it had three woman members out of 13.
Gadhia said “I’ve admired Salesforce from afar for a long time. This is a different kind of business, with deeply held values and a true focus on transforming the experience of every customer through cutting edge technology.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team as we continue to invest and support Salesforce’s growing customer base in UKI.”
Gadhia, who has also worked for Royal Bank of Scotland, was recognised in the last New Year’s Honours list for her contribution to financial services and women in the finance industry.
The Bank of England said: “We are of course sorry that Jayne-Anne Gadhia won’t be taking up her role as an external member on the Financial Policy Committee. We fully understand her decision and wish her well for the future.”
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Salesforce co-chief executives Marc Benioff Keith Block in a statement: “Jayne-Anne is one of the most respected CEOs in the UK and we are thrilled to welcome her to Salesforce.”
“The UKI is our largest market outside the US and with Jayne-Anne’s leadership we are well positioned to move into the next stage of growth and success for Salesforce, our customers, partners and communities.”
Main image credit: Getty