One of the most senior figures in the West Midlands finance community was named advocate of the year at an awards ceremony.
Sarah Cooper-Jones, NatWest's regional director of corporate and commercial banking in the West Midlands, won the accolade at the 2019 Women in Finance Awards in London.
The advocate of the year category recognises Ms Cooper-Jones’ support for getting more female representation at senior levels and reducing barriers to growth for women in financial services.
For much of her career, she has championed the importance of having a good work-life balance and the importance of flexible working to ensure a healthy and sustainable approach and fulfilment at both home and work.
Judges praised her advocacy in addressing intersectionality of gender, social mobility and ethnicity and for being a role model for not only women but also broader groups in the community.
Ms Cooper-Jones said: "I'm absolutely delighted to receive the Women in Finance Award for advocate of the year.
"We have come a long way in terms of breaking down barriers preventing women from achieving their career goals but there is more to be done to realise the talent potential."
Within a 28-year career with RBS and NatWest, she has undertaken a number of senior leadership roles with global and UK remits.
In 2003, she changed career direction from banking leadership to HR leadership but returned to West Midlands banking in 2016.
