Anita M. Sands, PhD
Dr. Anita M. Sands is a global technology and business leader, public speaker, and advocate
for the advancement of women. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of two public
companies – Symantec Corporation, the world’s leader in computer security, a Fortune 500 company;
and Service Now, the enterprise IT cloud company. Her career to date in Financial Services saw her
being appointed as the youngest ever Senior Vice President at the Royal Bank of Canada, where she
served as the Head of Innovation and Process Design. At Citigroup, as Managing Director and Head
of Transformational Management, she helped transform their $20B global operations and technology
organization. She joined UBS Wealth Management Americas at age 33, as the Chief Operating
Officer, where she was responsible for over three thousand technology, operations and corporate
services professionals. Then as Group Managing Director and Head of Change Leadership, she lead
the development and execution the organization’s transformational strategy, through the introduction
of innovative processes and industry leading technology platforms.
Anita holds a Ph.D. in Atomic and Molecular Physics and a First Class Honors degree in
Physics and Applied Mathematics from Queen's University Belfast. She was a Fulbright and O’Reilly
Foundation Scholar at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, where she graduated with highest
distinction with a Masters in Public Policy and Management. She was then awarded a research
fellowship from the Sloan Foundation and served as Executive Director of Carnegie Mellon’s
Software Industry Centre, and as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Munk Center for International
Studies at the University of Toronto.
Anita has been named one of the “Elite 8” by Bank Systems and Technology, an award
recognizing the eight most innovative executives in the North American financial services industry
and as one of "The TEN to Watch for 2012” by Registered Rep, a leading finance publication. In
2011, 2012, Anita was named to the Irish American “Top Forty Under Forty”, and “Woman of
Influence” lists and has been a three time honoree among the “Wall Street 50”, which recognizes the
best and brightest Irish and Irish-American leaders. Most recently, she was recognized as the
“Graduate of the Year” by her Alma Mater, Queens University Belfast.
On three occasions, Anita has been invited by the Irish Prime Minister to participate in the
Global Irish Economic forum, a gathering of the most influential members of the global Irish Diaspora
and the Irish Cabinet to formulate approaches to Ireland’s economic recovery. She is also a member
of Enterprise Ireland’s Financial Services Advisory Board, which aids Irish start-up companies
seeking to expand into international markets and of the Dean’s Advisory Council of Heinz College, at
Carnegie Mellon University. She is a former board member of the Ireland Fund of Canada, The
Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce, and Ireland Park Foundation.
Her career has been further distinguished by a commitment to the advancement of women, a
topic she speaks on regularly. She is a member of the International Women's Forum, a mentor for
W.O.M.E.N. in America, a member of the advisory committee for the Women Inspiration & Enterprise
Network, and has been an attendee at the Fortune Most Powerful Women’s Summit. In 2012, the
international humanitarian organization, Concern Worldwide honored Anita with their Women of
Concern award, for her leadership, contribution to public service, and efforts to empower women
throughout the world.
Anita holds a diploma in piano from the London School of Music, has travelled to all seven
continents, most recently Antarctica, and is a former all-Ireland public speaking champion. She is a
frequent commentator on digital transformation and women’s leadership.
ANITA M. SANDS, PHD
244 West 23rd Street, Apt 5B, New York, NY 10011
917-355-0833
[email protected]
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (Highest Distinction)
2002
H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA
PhD, Atomic and Molecular Physics
2001
Department of Pure and Applied Physics, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland
Thesis Title “The Ionization and Dissociation of Selected Molecules by VUV Photons”
BSc (First Class Honors), Physics and Applied Mathematics
1997
School of Mathematics & Physics, The Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland
EXPERIENCE
UBS Financial Services, Wealth Management America
Group Managing Director, Head of Change Leadership
Group Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer
Transformation Consultant
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April 2012 – Sept 2013
April 2010 – April 2012
Oct 2009 – April 2010
Member of Wealth Management Americas Executive Committee, reporting to CEO. UBS WMA provides advicebased solutions through financial advisors who deliver a fully integrated set of products and services specifically
designed to address the needs of ultra high net worth, high net worth and core affluent individuals and families.
Through WMA’s 7,000 Financial Advisors, 18,000 FTE, and with revenue in excess of $7B, we supported a
diverse range of business lines including Banking (credit cards, mortgages, securities based lending, deposits),
Trading (equities, fixed income, municipals), Wealth Management Advisory and Planning, Corporate Employee
Financial Services, along with field and client facing platforms, marketing functions, and support groups.
Developed and executed the end-to-end transformation of the business including a full scale architecture
redesign, process re-engineering, and application of innovative technology (including mobile, digital etc).
Developed a new operating model in line with UBS’ Global “Industrialization” Initiative, including the extensive
use of managed services, footprint redesign, enabling technologies, new services models etc. Objective was to
improve client experience, increase speed to market, lower headcount, variabilize cost base, and reduce run-rate
expenses with a view to contributing to WMA’s goal of $1B in net profit.
As COO, I was responsible for technology, operations, corporate real estate and administrative services, privacy,
business continuity management and program management office. The COO Group has responsibility for
approximately 3,000 FTE with a budget in excess of $800M. It also has a matrixed oversight of branch operations
and supervisory controls (approx 5,000 FTE). The WMA real estate portfolio exceeded $300M annually across
5.5M square feet and over 350 locations across the Americas. The technology function included over 1200
application developers (both on and offshore) and 400 infrastructure staff, with a budget of approx $560M.
As a transformation consultant, I directly supported the CEO and Executive Committee in assessing the
condition of the WMA business and formulated their turnaround strategy. The turnaround required the
articulation of a new business strategy, the redesign of the organizational structure, a significant cost-reduction
program, major personnel changes, introduction of a new operating model, creation of governance processes,
and an overarching communications strategy.
Executive Sponsor of Women’s Employee Network, focused greatly on diversity and talent initiatives.
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Citigroup, Global Operations & Technology
Managing Director, Head of Transformation Management
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Reported to Citigroup Chief Operations & Technology Officer. Member of Global O&T Operating Committee,
which oversaw an organization of 140,000 FTE and budget in excess of USD $20B.
Responsible for providing end-to-end oversight of Citigroup’s global operations and technology transformation,
including the creation of new Centers of Excellence for “change the bank” functions and Shared Services.
Oversaw several major transformational programs spanning each of Citi’s Products/Regions including a multiyear Cost Transformation Program, consisting of 50 cost-saving initiatives, estimated $4.4B savings.
Responsible for the following global functions across O&T: Strategy, Performance Measurement &
Benchmarking, Program Management Office, M&A, Communications and Chief of Staff.
Responsible for Citi’s global RightPlacement Program, a $1B strategy, involving 20,000+ moves, site strategy,
vendor management, supplier consolidation, major location analysis etc.
Undertook a major improvement effort to upgrade O&T’s Project and Program Management capabilities (tools,
processes, methods) covering the entire program life-cycle from funding approval process, project management,
execution tracking and post implementation review.
Launched digital transformation projects including an enterprise wide Web 2.0 deployment, a full collaborative
platform, including Citi Ideas, with both internal and external facing applications.
Member of Citi Diversity Network, Corporate Citi Women’s Organization.
RBC Financial Group
Senior Vice President & Head of Innovation and Process Design
Vice President & Head of Innovation and Process Design
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2007 – 2008
2006 – 2007
Reported to RBC Vice Chairman, and Group Head for Global Technology & Operations (GTO). Member of GTO
Operating Committee, a group of 7 executives charged with oversight of 18,300 employees and an annual budget
in excess of $3B.
Worked with senior executives across all RBC businesses to spearhead digital transformation, including retail
banking initiatives focused on on improving the client experience, product development pipeline, and multichannel distribution strategies. Also launched mobile payments platform, and use of social media internally.
Improved GTO cost effectiveness and optimized total GTO delivery cost through the consolidation/integration of
activities (15% run-rate savings).
Responsible for RBC Transformational Centers of Excellence including: Business Architecture, Business
Information & Solutions, Innovation, Research, Global Consulting Services, Business Process Management
(including Lean Six Sigma), Business Process Offshoring, and Patents.
Responsible for GTO teams for Strategy, Performance Measurement, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Project
Management Office, Transformational Management Office, and Communications.
Responsible for execution on RBC’s Client Reporting Program.
Responsible for design, development and execution of RBC Branch Quality & Productivity Program.
Chair of RBC Innovation Council, member of Enterprise Diversity, Strategy and Transformation Councils
CIBC
Director, CIBC Treasury & World Markets Inc.
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2008 – 2009
2004 – 2006
Conducted market research and analysis to develop hedging strategies for high-value retail products. Served as
Secretary of the Retail Asset Liability Committee.
Developed quantitative pricing models for fixed income and credit derivatives including exotic structured notes.
Founder of CIBC Women’s Network
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University of Toronto
Visiting Research Fellow
Carnegie Mellon University
Executive Director, Software Industry Center
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2003 – 2004
2002 – 2004
Executive director of $4M cross departmental research center, responsible for all strategic, operational and
administrative functions, including fiscal management, communication, external stakeholder management with
government sponsors, foundations, and corporate members.
Managed the Center’s outreach and economic development program including international delegations.
CORPORATE (PUBLIC) BOARD EXPERIENCE
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Appointed to the Board of Directors of Symantec Corporation in October 2013. Symantec is the world’s leading
provider of cyber security, backup and availability solutions protecting end consumers and major enterprises
with cloud, virtualization, mobile and business continuity products. It is a F500 and S&P500 company with over
$7B in revenue, $16B market cap, 20,000 employees operating in 50 countries.
Appointed to the Board of Service Now, the enterprise cloud IT company. Based in Silicon Valley, Service Now
is a rapidly growing organization, providing a SaaS, Cloud Based, Workflow solution for large enterprises.
Backed by JMI Equity and Sequoia capital, NOW does over $650M in revenue with a market cap of $8B.
BOARD & VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY
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Selected as one of 15 international fellows for “On The Board” – A joint initiative of the International Women’s
Forum and George Washington University aimed to place all 15 fellows on corporate boards within the next year
Mentor for W.O.M.E.N. in America – Leadership program for young professional women
Board Director, Sanctuary for Families – Leading NY organization supporting domestic violence victims
Member of NY Women’s Forum, a chapter of the International Women’s Forum
Member of Advisory Board of Irish Technology Leadership Group in Silicon Valley
Member of Enterprise Ireland North American Financial Services Advisory Panel – Advises Irish start up
technology companies trying to enter or expand into the US market
Member of Dean’s Advisory Council, Heinz College, Carnegie Mellon University
Previous:
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Invited by Irish Prime Minister to attend the Global Irish Economic Forum in 2009 and 2011 – Event brought
together the most influential members of the Irish Diaspora to advise and assist in policy formulation to aid in
Ireland’s economic recovery
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Member of the Board of Directors, CareerEdge – Canada’s Internship Organization
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Board Director, Women in Capital Markets, Canada
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Board Director, Member of the Governance Committee, Ireland Fund of Canada
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Board Director, Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce
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Member of ICT Advisory Committee, Toronto Board of Trade
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Judge – “Mind to Market” and “Innovation Catalyst Awards”, Ontario Ministry for Research and Innovation
ACADEMIC AWARDS
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Sloan Industry Center Research Fellowship (2002-2004)
Fulbright Scholarship (2000)
O’Reilly Foundation Scholarship (2000)
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Deans List, Heinz School of Public Policy & Management (All Semesters), Heinz Scholarship (2001)
NIDevR/ESF PhD Scholarship (1997)
ACHIEVEMENTS
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2012 Women of Concern – Award given by international humanitarian organization Concern Worldwide in
recognition for leadership, contribution to public service and efforts to empower women throughout the world
The TEN to Watch for 2012 – Registered Rep, leading finance publication
2008 “Elite 8” – Bank Systems & Technology, recognizes eight most innovative executives in financial services in
North America
2011 Most Influential Women – Irish Voice
2011 Top 40 under 40 – Irish Voice
2013, 2012, 2011 Wall Street 50 – Irish America Magazine
2012 Attendee at Fortune Most Powerful Women’s Summit
1997 All Ireland Public Speaking Champion
ALCM Diploma in Piano – London School of Music
2014 Graduate of the Year, Queens University of Belfast
SAMPLE PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS & PRESS
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A Comparative Review of International Diaspora Strategies by Kingsley Aikins, Dr. Anita Sands, Nicola
White (2009) – Report examines how different countries, particularly India and Israel, are connecting with
their diasporas and how Ireland can leverage its Diaspora to derive economic benefit.
Eye of the Celtic Tiger: The Evolution and Characteristics of the Irish Software Industry (2005) – Chapter
in “From Underdogs to Tigers? The Software Industry in Emerging Economies”, (ed Ashish Arora & Alfonso
Gambardella), Oxford University Press.
Women & Financial Services – Keynote address given at UBS Client & Financial Advisor Conferences in LA,
Dallas, Boston, Seattle, Atlanta and at Lincoln Financial Women’s Conference in Philadelphia, 2011 – 2012
The Digital Revolution and how it’s changing the world – Speech for Irish Business Organization, Apr 2013
The Impact of Technology on the Financial Sector: A focus on mobile, social networking, collaboration
and cloud technology – Presentation at SIFMA Securities Industry Institute, Feb 2012
Technology’s Impact on the Financial Services Sector – Keynote at Simon School of Business NYC
Conference, May 2012
Banking on Social – Keynote address at Dreamforce Conference, Silicon Valley, Aug 2011
The New M.Ploy.E – Presentation at the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, Jan 2011
Managing Change in Challenging Times – NYC Early Childhood Professional Development Institute, New
York, Jan 2009
Developing an Innovative Business – Infopresse360, Reinventing Innovation Conference (with Malcolm
Gladwell), Montreal, Dec 2008
Innovation in Action – Canadian Marketing Association, Digital Marketing Conference, Toronto, Oct 2007
Top Ten to Watch – http://wealthmanagement.com/practice-management/ten-watch-2012
Women of Concern Award – http://www.concernusa.org/public/events/WomenOfConcern.aspx
UBS Mobile Application Launch – http://wealthmanagement.com/institutions/ubs-going-mobile-fa-app
(Video) Innovative Trends in Technology – http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/950838428001/innovativetrends-in-tech/
(Video) UBS COO on New Technology – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=372kTyy3ELs
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