Barbara Schönhofer, founder of Insurance Supper Club (ISC) and supporter of the CII Insuring Women's Futures (IWF) campaign, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's 2018 Birthday Honours List, in recognition for her services to women in business.
Throughout her career, Ms Schönhofer has sought to develop women to take on senior leadership roles, particularly in the insurance sector. She founded the ISC, a business network for women in insurance, and led the Women in Risk pillar of the CII's IWF programme, as well as helping to establish the Independent Women in Insurance Network.
Sian Fisher, CEO of the CII, said: "Barbara has mentored an entire generation of leaders across the insurance sector. Through her encouragement and experience, she has led firms to look beyond the traditional backgrounds for those who take senior roles, helping to make our sector more diverse. While we still have a long way to go, Barbara will always be considered one of the true pioneers of greater diversity and inclusion in insurance."