Elise Badoy

A 20-years industry Veteran, Badoy is Deputy Head of Research in EMEA. Badoy’s proudest achievement in 2019, is Citi Research stellar move up in the rankings over the last two years, ending up 2nd in the 2019 Institutional Investor Survey, up from 6th last year and 8th in 2017.

Elise, a French native and long-time London resident, is responsible for coordinating Citi’s thought-leading and award winning equity research product for 33 sector teams in 6 countries, spanning both Developed and Emerging Markets. Throughout her two-decade career, Badoy has taken a leadership role on gender diversity issues, both internally, perhaps most notably via client engagement. This year, her gender work was recognised by votes in the II Survey and contributed to Citi’s ESG team being ranked number 1 for the first time in the 2019 II survey.

Elise has been nominated for the 2019 Award for Achievement.

 How does it feel to be shortlisted for a WIBF Award for Achievement?

I am humbled to join the list of talented women previously selected. I am thrilled to see Citi thought-leading research success recognised by this prestigious forum.

Can you tell us about your career path that lead you to your current role?

I am a financial analyst and strategist by training. I enjoy scanning through business models, valuing companies and strategic opportunities, against the backdrop of mega-trends that shape the world economy. Following a few internships in Investment Banking, I started my career at Goldman Sachs in Asset Management and then moved on to Investment Research. I joined Citi in 2010, originally to co-ordinate our Equity Research Product in Europe, and subsequently added Middle East and Africa to my coverage. I am now Deputy Head of Research for the region. We produce research that informs the investment decisions of Citi’s clients around the globe, and I manage a team of top-ranked analysts across 33 sectors and several countries. The team I manage must deliver thought-leading content, and at the core it is really about managing human talent augmented by technology, within a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape for banks.

You have said you are particularly passionate about client engagement as a means of raising awareness about diversity and inclusion. How do you approach this?

I personally believe in engaging with all stakeholders, not limiting ourselves to our own employees on the topic. Bringing inclusion in the workplace is not just a huge societal issue, it is fundamentally conducive to business, and perhaps even better ensures higher quality, sustainable growth.  At Citi we have launched years ago a research stream dedicated to Gender Economics: as a testament to the level of interest in the investing community,  our report series Women in the Economy  is one of our most read publications.

What professional achievements are still on your to-do list?

I have (too many) to-do lists at home and at work but do not keep one about my next professional achievements I am afraid! Bringing my expertise and energy to worthwhile projects is the broad idea.

What is your favourite part of your job and why?

It has to be the opportunity to work every day with hand-picked, incredibly talented experts in their fields, who constantly challenge me, on every level. Our clients are demanding too. From diamond production to mobile payments there is little we do not cover. Understanding the economics behind it all is a fascinating prism to see the world through. Curating for the best ideas, prioritising our efforts is the exciting challenge: there is simply so much information.

Tell us something about yourself you think people would find surprising?

I recently randomly discovered I have a neurological trait called synaesthesia. I reassure you it isn’t a rare deadly disease. Synesthetes experience a merging of senses that aren’t normally connected, for example “hearing” colour, or “seeing” sound. In my case, I hear and see words as colours rather than just words. I am so sad not everyone has the symptom. There is no downside to having the condition. Brilliant.