With only 18.4% of financial services C-Suite roles held by women, Jo Palmer stands out—not just for breaking barriers, but for redefining leadership itself. A native of the U.K., she crossed the Atlantic to lead Equiniti (EQ) as its U.S. CEO. Today, she is driving transformation, simplifying complexity, and fostering a culture of empowerment and client obsession.
“According to Statista, women held only 18.4% of financial services C-Suite roles globally as of recent data, with projections reaching 21.8% by 2031.” Source: Statista.
Finding My Voice in Our Industry
Jo has always been drawn to roles and organizations undergoing significant transformation. Her leadership philosophy revolves around bringing out the best in her team—helping them achieve beyond what they thought possible. “Getting the balance between clients, colleagues, and investors is what makes the difference between a good and a great business,” she says.
However, her journey wasn’t without challenges. “I’m part of a generation of women in business who often found themselves the only woman in a room full of men,” she shares. Early in her career, Jo was naturally quiet and thoughtful, but through great mentors and a willingness to seize opportunities, she became a director at an FTSE 20 organization at just 32 years old—a tough but invaluable training ground.
Jo discovered that leadership wasn’t about changing who she was, but about embracing her authentic self. “Once I developed my own style and spoke about things that mattered to me, I realized my voice resonated with other talented individuals,” she says. “I didn’t need to change who I was for my voice to count. I guess in the States, you’d call that the ‘secret sauce.’”
The Power of an Empowered Team
Over her 25+ year career, Jo has learned that the most essential part of leadership is creating psychological safety—an environment where employees feel empowered to take risks, push boundaries, and achieve remarkable results. “Soft skills are actually the key to unlocking outstanding performance,” she explains.
One of the best pieces of career advice she ever received was to make her job as big as possible. “In other words, don’t put limits on yourself,” she shares. “I’ve tried to live by that, and I encourage others to do the same.”
Jo believes that when employees feel valued and supported, they push past their perceived limitations. “I derive my energy from unlocking the potential of others and helping them succeed in ways they never thought possible.”
Leading EQ to New Heights
Jo joined EQ as Global Chief Transformation Officer before being promoted to CEO of U.S. Shareholder Services in October 2024. She takes pride in working with a modern, forward-thinking Board that appointed her—a bold choice for an ‘English Rose’ in the heart of New York. “I’m inspired to work for a company that challenges traditional views and attracts the best global talent,” she says.
EQ specializes in helping companies manage shareholder ownership through key corporate events. With a client base that includes 48% of the FTSE 100 and 35% of the S&P 500, Jo emphasizes that EQ’s success is driven by its people. “It’s our colleagues who deliver every day for our clients. That’s why we were ranked the #4 Top Employer in the U.S. for 2025.”
Jo is passionate about fostering a workplace where employees can bring their whole selves to work and feel empowered to innovate. “We succeed when we create an environment where people feel safe to take risks, challenge themselves, and drive positive change.”
Building a ‘Client-First’ Culture
Jo believes that trust is at the core of EQ’s relationships. “We are a people business. Our clients trust us with their reputation, so our reputation is critical,” she states. This focus on excellence has earned EQ the #1 ranking for client satisfaction in the Group Five survey.
Recently, while working through a client renewal, Jo personally engaged beyond the standard procurement process. She spoke directly with the client about their values, business needs, and how EQ could better support them. “By doing that, I was able to advocate internally and ensure we put the client first,” she says. The result? A multi-year contract renewal—a testament to EQ’s dedication.
Jo insists that being “client-first” is the key to building successful, enduring partnerships. She encourages her teams to engage deeply with clients, not just in moments of service, but in understanding their long-term vision. “We don’t just provide a service; we are partners in our clients’ growth,” she explains.
Leadership in Uncertain Times
Jo acknowledges that the financial services landscape has been unpredictable, with historically high interest rates and a 40-year low in U.S. M&A activity in the last 12 months. In addition, the markets are still absorbing the election and inauguration of President Trump. However, Jo sees opportunity amid the volatility. “We must be ready to act and support our clients as new opportunities emerge.”
Also, in the U.S., Jo notes a pent-up demand for M&A and IPOs. “We must be agile and responsive to the needs of our clients and their shareholders as the right opportunities present themselves,” she says, “EQ has a broad range of products and services to serve our clients at all stages of the corporate lifecycle led by an extraordinarily qualified group of leaders.”
Jo remains focused on innovation, ensuring that EQ is always prepared to help its clients navigate complex financial environments. “It’s our responsibility to be ahead of the curve, understanding market shifts and helping our clients make informed decisions.”
A Commitment to Giving Back
Alongside her professional career, Jo has dedicated time to volunteering and charitable work, which she considers some of the most rewarding moments of her life. She has served as Chair of a healthcare nonprofit in the U.K., where she played a pivotal role in turning around a hospital struggling to meet the needs of 500,000 residents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led efforts to restore services, helping to accelerate the recovery of cancer treatments faster than any other hospital in England.
“Volunteering and charitable work have been integral to my professional journey,” Jo shares. “That’s why I’m particularly proud that EQ now offers volunteer days for employees to give back to their communities.”
She believes that businesses have a responsibility to support the communities where they operate. “We don’t exist in a vacuum. Our success is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities we serve.”
What’s Next? Personal and Professional Goals
Outside of work, Jo has set her sights on obtaining her light aircraft pilot’s license. “Flying requires you to be at your absolute best—there’s no margin for error. That appeals to me,” she says.
Her ambition for EQ is similar: to help the company and its clients reach new heights. “By working together, we can truly soar.”
Jo is also passionate about mentoring future leaders, ensuring that more women have opportunities to rise in financial services. “Leadership is about lifting others up. If I can help open doors for the next generation, then I know I’m making a difference.”
Advice to Her Younger Self
Like many professionals, Jo once grappled with self-doubt. “At 32, someone recognized my potential and gave me an opportunity,” she recalls.
Her advice to her younger self? “Trust the potential others see in you, even if you can’t see it yet. Keep being curious and find your voice—it will take you further than you ever imagined.”
A Legacy of Transformation
From breaking barriers to championing transformation, Jo Palmer exemplifies what it means to lead with authenticity. As she continues to elevate EQ, her leadership serves as an inspiration to the next generation of women in financial services and beyond.
