Deborah Zurkow, Global Head of Investments, Allianz Global Investors
London – 7 February 2024 – 100 Women in Finance (100WF), a global finance industry organization, announced today that Deborah Zurkow, Global Head of Investments, Allianz Global Investors, is the recipient of its 100 Women in Finance 2024 EMEA Industry Leadership Award. The Award is presented annually in recognition of exemplary professional talent, business ethics and passion for investing that further define and advance the industry’s standards of excellence. Zurkow will be honored for this achievement at the 100WF Gala on 6 March at the V&A South Kensington.
Deborah Zurkow is Global Head of Investments at Allianz Global Investors, and a member of the Executive Committee. In January 2020, Zurkow took on responsibility for leading AllianzGI’s investment platform, which comprises Alternatives, Equities, Fixed Income and Multi-Asset strategies. As Global Head of Alternatives since 2016, she has developed AllianzGI’s offering in the asset class, which includes a diverse mix of both liquid and illiquid alternative investment solutions for clients, into a market leader in a number of categories.
Zurkow joined AllianzGI in 2012 as CIO and Head of Infrastructure Debt, leading a team that pioneered infrastructure debt as an asset class for institutional investors. Since its inception, the team has made over EUR 25bn of debt investments in a variety of infrastructure sectors across the globe.
Before joining AllianzGI, Zurkow was CEO of Trifinium Advisors Limited and head of Public Finance EMEA for MBIA UK Insurance Limited. Zurkow holds an MBA from Yale School of Management and a BA from Wellesley College. She is the Chair of the ACC (Alternatives Credit Council) and a Founding Board member of the LTIIA (Long-term Infrastructure Investors Association). She has been included in Financial News’ list of ‘100 Most Influential Women in European Finance’ on multiple occasions.
“Deborah has been a vital member of our organization as both a Global Angel and event speaker,” said Carole K. Crawford, Senior Advisor, CFA Institute and Board Chair, 100 Women in Finance. “She exemplifies success as a female leader in the investment industry and inspires other women to face down the challenge of bias and leverage their unique skills to progress their career path. In the world of leadership, one’s character often shines brightest when it encompasses a deep understanding of the value each individual brings to the table. Deborah lives this level of leadership, showing true commitment to effecting change, and ultimately achieving Vision 30/40.”
Commenting on the award, Deborah Zurkow, Global Head of Investments at Allianz Global Investors, said:
“Anyone in the industry who knows me will know I’m not often lost for words, but when I heard I was to receive this award that was one of those occasions. It’s an honour to be given such a prestigious accolade from an organisation I’ve been so proud to support and that promotes a cause I’m so passionate about.
“While this award is in my name, every successful leader knows that to achieve lasting success or effect meaningful change you can’t do it alone, so you need to surround yourself with great people. I’m immensely grateful to everyone who has inspired or supported me in my career journey so far. I’ll continue to do whatever I can to ensure I help champion the next generation of female leaders in our industry.”
To view past 100WF Industry Leadership Award honorees, please see here.
Support the 100 Women in Finance Foundation by joining us at the Gala on 6 March at the V&A South Kensington. Funds raised will benefit our programs and local partners, empowering women from all backgrounds to pursue careers in finance. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available now. Click here for more details.