Deirdre Drake, managing director and chief HR officer, BMO Capital Markets, is to be recognized for her commitment to workplace diversity.
The firm announced Thursday that Drake has won the 2013 Out On Bay Street Leading Executive Ally Award, which is given in recognition of “exemplary achievement and/or community service in Canada’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and ally community.”
She will receive her award at a ceremony tonight at St. Andrew’s Club and Conference Centre in Toronto.
The Out On Bay Street committee noted Drake’s “longstanding commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces. It also noted her role as executive sponsor of BMO Pride, the Bank’s enterprise-wide group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and straight employees, which promotes an equitable and inclusive environment for all.”
Drake has been head of HR at BMO Capital Markets since May 2012. She’s responsible for HR strategic planning for all components of the investment and corporate banking and trading products platforms. She joined BMO in 2006 as the senior vice-president of HR and head of HR U.S.
After moving to Canada she became the executive sponsor of BMO Pride, which annually sponsors the Pride and Remembrance Run/Walk in support of the AIDS Committee of Toronto, Triangle Program and the Pride and Remembrance Run Foundation.
“Deirdre is an exceptional leader and a consummate professional who fosters an environment that encourages and supports personal growth and professional development for all our employees,” said Tom Milroy, CEO of BMO Capital Markets.
“She works closely with our Canada-wide members of Pride and supports the development of business relationships in LGBT markets. Deirdre’s unwavering support for Pride has enabled her to translate BMO’s dedication to diversity and inclusion in a manner understandable for both employees and clients alike, which drives the Bank’s strong relationship and commitment within the community,” he said.