Indians at Princeton University - 4

Sheila Patel: Shaping Financial Frontiers

In the world of high finance, Sheila Patel stands as a formidable figure, combining an illustrious career with a passion for sustainability and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. As the Vice Chair of B Capital Group and Board Co-Chair at Antler, her journey is one of dedication, expertise, and unwavering leadership.

Sheila Patel embarked on her path to success by earning an AB in Politics and Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University in 1991, graduating summa cum laude. Her insatiable hunger for knowledge and determination led her to Columbia University, where she attained an MBA with the highest honors in 1997.

Patel's rise through the financial world was nothing short of spectacular. She once served as the Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) and held a prominent position on the Firmwide Management Committee. At GSAM, Sheila Patel leveraged her extensive knowledge to advise clients on portfolio solutions, sustainable finance, emerging growth themes, governance, and other key long-term trends. Her commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and impact investment initiatives was unwavering.

Within the walls of Goldman Sachs, Sheila Patel was a prominent member of the Firmwide Management Committee, the European Management Committee, the Sustainable Finance Steering Group, and the Goldman Sachs Leadership Development Initiative. Her dedication to diversity was evident through her involvement with the EMEA Inclusion and Diversity Committee.

Before taking on her current role, Patel was a force to be reckoned with in the equities division. She served as co-head of equities distribution in Asia and headed U.S. derivative sales and U.S. synthetics sales, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability. Her journey at Goldman Sachs began in 2003 when she joined as a managing director and was subsequently named a partner in 2006.

But Sheila Patel's career trajectory was not confined to a single institution. Before joining Goldman Sachs, she spent seven years at Morgan Stanley, where she was the head of trading strategy.

Beyond her corporate roles, Patel's dedication to making a positive impact extends to her board memberships and advisory roles. She serves as a board member of the Pacific Pension and Investment Institute, a member of 100 Women in Finance, and a member of Princeton University's Global Leadership Committee and Women in Leadership Initiative. Her heart's commitment shines through as an honorary board member of EcoHealth Alliance and a board advisor to GallopNYC.

Her influence goes beyond the boardroom. Patel has imparted her knowledge by teaching an advanced seminar on Equity Derivatives at the Columbia Business School.

Sheila Patel's accolades are a testament to her outstanding contributions to the world of finance. She holds degrees with the highest honors from Princeton and Columbia, and in 2020, she was named Investment Woman of the Year by Investment Week. Her achievements include being recognized as one of Financial News' 100 Women in Finance in 2019 and making Fortune Magazine's Most Powerful Women in Asia list in 2015. She is a regular feature in financial media, sought after for her investment insights and market observations.

Sheila Patel's remarkable journey through finance is a testament to her resilience, expertise, and commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable financial world. She stands as a trailblazer, not only shattering glass ceilings but also paving the way for the next generation of financial leaders.