Matt is an experienced talent management, diversity and organisational development leader with extensive experience within the financial services industry. A proven track record in inspiring others, developing effective strategies, programme execution, managing diverse teams and building partnerships.

Matt was the first in his family to go to university, is part of the LGBT+ community and also from a lower-social economic background.

Matt is responsible for the development of LGBT Great’s programmes, the strategic direction of the organisation and advising organisations on DE&I issues. Matt is also a Board Member of the Diversity Project.

As a woman in finance;, a single-parent business owner and parent to a trans daughter, I know how it feels to be an outsider. Starting out in my career in finance over 20 years ago, I was in the minority: a woman in a man’s world. That experience shaped the way that I have built my career. Today, as a Chartered Financial Adviser, Senior Partner with St James’s Place and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, I am committed to helping to lead the change that I believe we all need to see in this industry: supporting and developing an adviser community that fully reflects the diversity and life experience of the people we’re here to serve.

Deon is the Head of Marketing Technology Enablement and Governance for Legal and General and is a culture carrier and diversity champion working tirelessly to drive LGBT inclusion both internally and in the wider industry with a specific focus on the lived experience of Black and minority ethnic communities.

Deon champions ethnicity and empowers other ethnic minorities through mentoring, free life coaching and industry wide events. As the new Co-Chair of LEGIT-LGIMS overall Inclusion Network, helping drive an inclusive culture. Deon uses his many platforms to drive change for all marginalised communities.

Deon has several notable achievements for his contributions to diversity and inclusion. He is a keynote speaker, sharing his personal experiences to surface racism and LGBT+ issues, and panellist championing diversity and inclusion.

Emily Smart is the Chief Product Officer at abrdn. Emily and her team are responsible for collaborating across the business and driving product innovation, delivery, and management across traditional asset classes (equity and fixed income); liquid alternatives and thematic areas including Sustainability.

Prior to joining the Product team in 2018, Emily spent 5 years as an Institutional Client Director, covering a broad range of clients and asset classes.

Emily joined the company in 2013 and prior to this spent 10 years in Private Banking at UBS and Barclays, primarily as an Alternatives investment specialist.