Two staunch defenders of the banks make it on to City A.M.’s inaugural awards shortlist
TWO personalities who have fought steadfastly for the interests of banks have made it onto the shortlist to win City A.M.’s personality of the year, one of the biggest prizes at October’s City A.M. awards.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson was chosen for springing to the defence of the banks in the aftermath of the financial crisis. In doing so, he clashed with the more populist element within the Conservative party.
The second bank campaigner is Angela Knight, chief executive of the British Bankers’ Association. Knight has defended the banks’ position with a passion and she has rarely been off the media agenda.
Both Knight and Johnson have reminded the nation just how important banks are to its economic well-being.
Starting today, City A.M. will be publishing the shortlists for the awards, which will be handed out at the Grange Hotel in St Paul’s on 28 October. The shortlist for personality of the year also includes three businessmen who have led their businesses with courage and determination.
There is Bob Diamond, president of Barclays Capital, who is likely to end up as one of the big gainers from the financial crisis. BA’s chief executive Willie Walsh is there for his determined effort to not be beaten by either the volcanic ash cloud or his own unions.
The final contender on our short-list is Capita chief executive Paul Pindar. Further nominations will be revealed over the next few days.