Signature Bank expanded its executive management team with the appointment of two executives. Lisa Bond was named to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief corporate social impact officer, which encompasses diversity and inclusion (D&I) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. In addition, Ana Harris, senior vice president and director of human resources at Signature Bank, was promoted to the post of senior vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO).
Concurrent with these appointments, Signature Bank’s board of directors created a corporate social responsibility (D&I and ESG) committee.
Bond has more than 30 years of human resources experience. Over the course of her career, she has guided companies through human capital strategies, helping them build client-centric, inclusive cultures. Most recently, Bond was vice president of senior leadership and professional search at Macy’s, where she was responsible for building and managing an internal executive search function. A key initiative Bond helped implement and execute was the acquisition of senior executive talent across Macy’s leadership, D&I and sustainability teams.
Prior to Macy’s, Bond held various senior vice president positions within human resources at several luxury brands, including Bulgari, Lacoste and L’Occitane. Of particular importance, while serving as a senior leader at the Bulgari brand, she was tasked with supporting a global corporate initiative to foster greater diversity in the workforce through the recruitment and retention of executive women. Bond began her human resources career at Republic National Bank of New York, where she worked with two of Signature Bank’s co-founders and members of the current executive management team.
Reporting to Joseph J. DePaolo, president and CEO of Signature Bank, Bond will be responsible for enhancing the bank’s D&I and ESG initiatives, which extend to all aspects of the franchise, including colleagues, clients and the communities served by the bank. The role consolidates these efforts into a centralized department under her direction. Bond’s goal is to integrate these initiatives into the bank’s culture to result in a more diverse and more strongly inclusive workforce that strengthens client relationships and community partnerships.
Harris, with nearly 30 years of related experience, has led human resources for Signature Bank since its inception in 2001, holding roles of increasing responsibility. She has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s culture throughout its existence. Additionally, Harris is credited with helping the bank reach several milestones, including creation of an award-winning wellness program and implementation of a major payroll systems conversion.
As CHRO, she will oversee all of the bank’s human resources functions, spanning talent acquisition, employee relations, total rewards, training, payroll, human resources systems and compliance. She will continue to report to DePaolo.
Prior to joining Signature Bank, Harris also worked at Republic National Bank, where she served as a member of human resources management. She too worked with two of Signature Bank’s co-founders and current executive management team members.
“We recognize D&I, along with ESG, are critical to the success of any organization. These have been a priority for the bank, as these initiatives permeate every aspect of the institution, from our corporate culture, client-facing teams and client relationships to the community partnerships we have forged. We realize a well-rounded, diverse workforce makes for a better workplace, allows us to facilitate best practices and conduct better business,” DePaolo said. “The establishment of Lisa’s new position, coupled with Ana’s advancement, will allow Signature Bank to fortify its focus across these key areas. We welcome Lisa and look forward to the contributions both she and Ana will make to this institution in their new roles.”
“The board, along with the executive management team, views social responsibility as part of Signature Bank’s DNA,” Scott A. Shay, chairman of the board at Signature Bank, said. “We started this bank with a mission to not only make money but also to make the world a better place. Lisa’s new executive role crystallizes our commitment to doing our part to improve the world. And Ana’s contributions to our colleagues have contributed to the dedicated, stable workforce of more than 1,600 we have today. We look forward to strengthening our D&I, ESG and HR efforts with these new positions.”
