PwC’s Financial Services consulting lead, Shazia Azim, was honored last week at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards. The ceremony, held in London’s Bankside, saw luminaries from across industry, politics, art and culture come together to celebrate the contribution Asian women have made to society. Founded by Pinky Lilani CBE DL in 1999, the Awards and sister community and outreach programmes seek to redefine and inform a new, positive, pro-diversity debate. Shazia, who leads PwC’s FS Consulting unit, was presented with the Business achievement award in recognition of her career which spans 25 years.
Shazia Azim, Leader of Financial Services consulting at PwC UK, said:
“I’m thrilled to win this prestigious award. I would like to thank the team at the Women of Achievement Awards, my colleagues at PwC and my wonderful network, friends and family for their guidance and support.
“This award means so much to me and I am truly honored to follow in the footsteps of my fellow Asian female leaders for the work they have done to champion equality in not only business but also the arts, politics and wider society.
“Throughout my career there have been huge improvements in gender representation, particularly at senior levels but there is still more that could be done, especially when it comes to race.
“As we continue to face economic headwinds, businesses will have to both re-organise and re-imagine themselves to be fit for a very different future, and therein lies the real opportunity to realize the potential and take advantage of the deep pool of talent that exists across all races.”
Isabelle Jenkins, Leader of Financial Services at PwC UK, said:
“This award is a fantastic achievement and one that proves the impact Shazia has had, both within PwC but also in the wider financial services sector. It is testament to her values and leadership that she is an inspiring role model for future talent and I am delighted to see Shazia receive this well deserved accolade as one of my most senior female leaders.
“As the lead relationship partner for one of the UK’s largest financial services firms and our FS Consulting lead, Shazia is able to juggle her many professional roles with her work championing and driving equality and diversity within the firm and in the wider sector.
“This award is well deserved, and I am proud to see such a core member of our wider FS team recognised for their significant contribution.”
Shazia joined PwC UK as a Partner in 2013 and was at the time the first female Muslim Partner in the business. She has held a number of roles within PwC including being the Chief Strategy and Operating Officer for the FS unit and lead of PwC’s Growth priority programme. A former Rhodes Scholar, Shazia studied at Oxford, and holds an MsC in Econometrics at LSE. She previously worked for Goldman Sachs and was highlighted as one of the 100 Women to Watch in September 2020 by Cranfield University’s School of Management as part of their list showcasing the UK’s leading female professionals suitable for Board positions.
