WIBF remembers Lynne Connolly

Lynne was Global head of Diversity and Inclusion at abrdn and prior to that, Standard Life Aberdeen. For a number of years she was one of our key contacts for their WIBF partnerships.

Among the many moving tributes that were shared – including many by WIBF volunteer alumni was a post from Sandy Begbie CBE, Chief Executive at Scottish Financial Enterprise, who said on LinkedIn, “What Lynne did for D&I in Standard Life/SLA and latterly abrdn has made a truly lasting impact on the organisation and its people. What she did for D&I in the broader HR and business community more widely is immeasurable and never likely to be emulated, such was Lynne’s impact and influence.”

Natalie Gill, who was WIBF’s Director of Membership from 2019 – 2021 said, “Lynne was a passionate advocate for gender equality and was a highly valued partner to WIBF. She brought incredible insights and expertise, and was always happy to motivate and share her thought leadership with others. Her constant determination to create fair and equitable access has paved the way for so many people who would otherwise have been locked out of a career in this industry. She really made a difference.”

Anna Lane, WIBF’s CEO and President said, “Lynne was above all a fearless campaigner for fairness. She was passionate about Inclusion and her legacy is very much in evidence in the D,I & E strategies of the companies she worked at and in the improved working practices she campaigned so tirelessly for. Rest in Peace Lynne. You will be missed. “

Our thoughts are with Lynne’s family, friends and colleagues.