Jennie Koo named in Heroes Women Role Model List 2025
Unity Trust Bank’s recently appointed head of enterprise risk, Jennie Koo, has been recognised in the prestigious Heroes Women Role Model List 2025 for championing diversity, equity and inclusion in the finance sector.
The annual Top 100, organised by INvolve and supported by YouTube, showcases leaders who are breaking down barriers in the workplace and supporting women in global businesses.
Jennie, who’s enjoyed a 25-year career in the finance sector including 20 years in risk management, was nominated for her voluntary work with Women in Banking and Finance.
WIBF is a membership network that has championed women in financial services for over 40 years. Jennie has established several branches across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, supporting women’s career ambitions through development programmes, leadership opportunities and networking events.
Jennie said: “I was a member of WIBF when I worked in London for a few years.
“When I returned home to the West Midlands I realised that there wasn’t the same support for women in the finance industry.
“There is a lot of talent outside the capital and I wanted to create the same opportunities.
“I set up the Birmingham branch in 2017 and then several others after that.
“I feel quite humble to be nominated in the Heroes Women Role Model List 2025 because I do what I do because I love doing it.
“If I believe something needs changing then I don’t expect someone else to do it, I tend to take action and do it myself.
“It’s lovely to be recognised and it’s very motivating when I read the bios of other people on the list and know that I’m recognised in that same space.”
Jennie has been listed in the ‘Executive’ category which is for people less than three levels away from CEO. It recognises women ‘leading by example and driving change to increase gender diversity in the workplace’. She previously featured in the ‘Future Leaders’ category when she worked at Capital One.
She joined Unity as head of enterprise risk in the summer saying: “I was delighted to join Unity, a social impact bank, because its values are totally aligned to mine.”
Kiran Samra, chief risk officer at Unity Trust Bank, said: “Jennie’s vast experience in risk management will be a hugely valuable addition to the team here at Unity.
“Her work at WIBF is equally as impressive. She has empowered countless women to navigate the corporate environment and achieve leadership roles and she thoroughly deserves to be recognised in this global Top 100 list.”
INvolve was founded in 2013 and transforms workplaces and mindsets through the delivery of programmes, thought leadership and advisory solutions to help firms drive meaningful cultural change.