Prominent lawyer and equality rights advocate Sandie Okoro has being appointed as the next Chancellor of University of Birmingham.
Sandie Okoro is the University’s eighth Chancellor since it was established in 1900.
She succeeds Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE, who will step down as Chancellor in July after 10 years in the role.
While giving her acceptance speech, Okoro said, “The wonderful University of Birmingham is the alma mater to three generations of the Okoros, my mum, me and my son.
“So my connection to it is very special indeed. I have followed the University’s outstanding progress very closely since my days there as a student on a full grant back in the 1980s.
“I am truly honoured and delighted to be appointed Chancellor. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to give a little something back to the amazing University that has given so very much to me and my family.”
Okoro has an impressive record of honors for her work in promoting diversity, equality, and women’s rights.
Currently, she holds the position of Group General Counsel at Standard Chartered, overseeing the Bank’s Legal, Group Corporate Secretariat, and Shared Investigative Services functions.
Okoro earned her degree in Law and Politics from the University of Birmingham before becoming a barrister at City, University of London.
Transitioning to a solicitor role, she occupied significant positions such as Head of Legal for Corporate Services at Schroders, Global General Counsel at Barings, and General Counsel for HSBC Global Asset Management.
She also served as Senior Vice-President and General Counsel, as well as Vice-President for Compliance, at the World Bank Group.
Okoro was honored with the Officer of the Order of the British Empire, OBE, in the 2024 New Year Honours for her outstanding contributions to Diversity in International Finance.
She has been recognized with prestigious awards such as a lifetime achievement award from the UK Black Solicitors Network and being named one of the Power 100 Women by City A.M. and 100 Women to Watch by Female FTSE Board.
Okoro’s dedication to empowering women and girls globally earned her the Howard University 2019 Vanguard Women Award.
Additionally, she received accolades like the Beyond the Glass Ceiling Award from the Leadership Institute for Women of Color Attorneys and was recognized as one of the Chambers 100 Outstanding Global General Counsel.
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