Sally Tennant is a name that resonates strongly within the world of banking, wealth management, and philanthropy in the United Kingdom. Over the course of her career, she has built a reputation for steering complex organisations through times of transformation, fostering client trust, and championing initiatives that extend far beyond financial success. Her leadership style, emphasis on integrity, and commitment to charitable causes have made her one of the most respected figures in the financial services industry.
Early Career and Foundations
Sally Tennant’s professional journey began with a clear determination to excel in finance. After completing her education, she entered the investment banking sector, where she gained experience in international markets and complex financial transactions. These formative years provided her with the technical grounding and strategic insight that would later define her leadership in wealth management.
Her early career was marked by exposure to both private banking and institutional finance, giving her a unique perspective on how to balance personal client relationships with corporate growth objectives.
Leadership at Schroders Private Banking
A significant turning point in Sally Tennant’s career came when she became Chief Executive of Schroders Private Banking. Here, she demonstrated her ability to manage high-value client relationships while also restructuring operations to align with modern financial demands. Under her leadership, the division strengthened its global reputation for bespoke wealth management services.
Tennant’s time at Schroders highlighted her belief that successful banking is not simply about numbers, but about building trust and long-term partnerships with clients. She focused on client-centred strategies, which helped position the bank as a trusted adviser to some of the most prominent families and institutions.
Chief Executive at Lombard Odier (UK)
Her next leadership role saw her take the reins at Lombard Odier (UK), one of the most established private banks in Europe. Tennant guided the business through a period of change, ensuring that it adapted to shifting regulatory frameworks while retaining its core strengths in discretion and excellence. Her emphasis on ethical practice and sustainable business development proved especially relevant in an era where financial institutions faced growing scrutiny from regulators and the public alike.
This role reinforced her reputation as a steady hand in times of uncertainty and as a leader who could balance innovation with tradition.
Transforming Kleinwort Benson
Perhaps the role most closely associated with Sally Tennant’s name is her tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Kleinwort Benson, a historic private bank with roots stretching back to the eighteenth century. When Tennant assumed leadership, the institution faced challenges relating to outdated systems and a need for renewed client engagement.
She led a wide-ranging transformation of the business, modernising technology, re-energising the brand, and building a culture of accountability. Her strategy centred on creating a private bank that could compete effectively in the twenty-first century while honouring its prestigious legacy. Her ability to deliver change without alienating long-standing clients was seen as a testament to her skill as a communicator and strategist.
Entrepreneurial Vision – Acorn Capital Advisers
After years of leading established institutions, Sally Tennant channelled her expertise into entrepreneurship by founding Acorn Capital Advisers. This independent advisory firm was designed to serve ultra-high-net-worth families, family offices, and entrepreneurs, offering tailored advice that bridged investment strategy, governance, and succession planning.
Acorn Capital Advisers reflects Tennant’s vision of finance as deeply personal, requiring not only technical precision but also empathy and foresight. By positioning her firm as an independent adviser, she sought to fill a gap in the market for conflict-free, client-first advice.
Board Roles and Governance
In addition to her executive roles, Sally Tennant has served as a non-executive director and adviser to multiple organisations. Her governance work has extended to asset management, investment groups, and philanthropic foundations. She has been involved with companies such as Point72 UK and B-FLEXION Group Holdings, bringing her wealth of experience to bear on strategic decisions.
Her governance philosophy has always stressed transparency, accountability, and long-term vision. This approach reflects her broader belief that businesses thrive not just through financial growth, but by creating enduring value for stakeholders.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Sally Tennant’s influence is not confined to the financial sector. She is a committed philanthropist, with a particular focus on medical research and family wellbeing. Her patronage of Tommy’s, a leading charity funding research into miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature births, underscores her dedication to issues that have a profound impact on families.
In recognition of her charitable work, Tennant was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). This honour reflects her significant contributions to society, extending beyond the boardroom into areas where compassionate leadership can change lives.
Leadership Style and Principles
A hallmark of Sally Tennant’s career has been her distinctive leadership style. Colleagues and commentators frequently describe her as approachable, decisive, and visionary. She balances strong analytical skills with a human touch, recognising that finance ultimately revolves around people’s aspirations, fears, and legacies.
Her principles include:
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Integrity: placing ethical practice at the centre of decision-making.
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Client focus: prioritising long-term relationships over short-term gains.
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Adaptability: leading organisations through periods of change with clarity and resilience.
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Empowerment: encouraging teams to take ownership and develop professionally.
Impact on Women in Finance
As a senior woman in a male-dominated industry, Sally Tennant has been a role model for aspiring female leaders. Her success has challenged stereotypes and helped pave the way for greater diversity in financial services leadership. By achieving prominence without compromising on authenticity, she has demonstrated that women can lead at the highest levels while shaping the culture of institutions.
Her journey offers encouragement to young professionals seeking to combine ambition with a sense of purpose.
The Legacy of Sally Tennant
The legacy of Sally Tennant can be summarised in three dimensions. First, her transformation of historic institutions has ensured their continued relevance in a rapidly evolving financial world. Second, her entrepreneurial vision has set new standards for independent advice in wealth management. Third, her philanthropic work has provided hope and support to countless families.
Her story is not only about financial leadership but about using influence responsibly to improve both business and society.
Conclusion
Sally Tennant stands as a leading figure in British finance, known for her ability to lead, inspire, and give back. Her career illustrates how vision, ethics, and empathy can transform not just businesses but also lives. For clients, colleagues, and charitable beneficiaries, she remains a figure of trust and influence.
As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, Sally Tennant’s example will remain a benchmark for what effective leadership should look like: commercially astute, ethically grounded, and socially responsible.
