Men Who Get It: Barton Hill, Global Head of Marketing, Securities and Fund Services, Citi

By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

“To be honest,” began Barton Hill, Managing Director, Global Head of Marketing, Securities and Fund Services, at Citi, “as a white male, there’s a lot that I didn’t know, that I’ve learned along the way.” When Hill was tapped to Chair the Bank’s North American Diversity Operating Committee, he thought it would be just be a matter of figuring out and implementing the right diversity policy. But, he continued, there was so much more.

“There’s a whole range of concerns that people of different backgrounds possess, and what different challenges lie before them. I simplistically thought we just didn’t have the right programs or we just weren’t working hard enough. But the range, and depth, and root causes – I had no idea what the obstacles were.”

Hill said he was particularly struck by the notion of “feeling safe.” He explained, “The concept of feeling safe – I never would have thought of that. Safe is not a word I would have thought of in a work environment. But it’s real.”

Armed with new knowledge and inspired by his four daughters, Hill is working hard to move the diversity journey forward as Citi transforms its business.

Global Presence

Hill, who joined Citi two years ago, described himself as a business architect. “I really view diversity as a business imperative, and a core element of the firm,” he said, “because the core unique value proposition at Citi is its globality – both in our physical presence and in our people.”

He continued, “We really understand from a local point of view what the goals and objectives are on the ground, and that’s why we view diversity not as a fad but as a competitive business advantage for us.”

Hill said he is currently enjoying his work in helping Citi transform its business. “When I joined Citi, we were going through a rough time. Being part of that transformation story is unbelievably gratifying.”

He is also excited about his participation on Citi’s Global Diversity Council. “Having a diverse workforce makes us stronger. There’s an element of success that comes from diversity of opinion, diversity of intellect, diversity of subject matter expertise. It’s the strength of our people who bring us the competitive edge, post crisis.”

Looking back, Hill continued, “I wish I had the wisdom of patience early in my career. Even with all the strategic planning, some things in life just take time. I think earlier in my career I made snap decisions.”

“And that’s a big part of the diversity story too – you can’t expect to move the needle in six months or twelve months – you’re setting out on a journey.”

Diversity at Citi

“I have a real passion for this topic,” Hill continued. “I’m part of the majority demographic, and I think it’s part of my responsibility to become a flag bearer of diversity, to lead the culture of change.”

He explained, “The burden of diversity should not rest solely in the hands of those who represent under-represented groups… everyone should take an active stand and be an ‘ally.’ I hope my fellow white male colleagues will get involved in creating a more diverse and inclusive culture.”

Diversity is one of Citi’s core objectives, he said, pointing out that the CTS Diversity Committee works to foster inclusiveness in the division, regarding gender, LGBT, ethnic minorities, and Veterans, and is sponsored by senior management. “I’m proud of senior management for recognizing the need to do that.”

Including himself, 13 people were tapped to sit on the Committee, he continued, “who were senior enough to really drive the implementation.”

He explained, “I think that’s a diversity best practice. To have senior people who can rally people below them in the organization to come on board. I think you have to recognize that part of being a leader is to understand that everyone owns the culture.”

Hill praised Citi’s gender diversity programs. “We have a very strong agenda led by our CTS Women’s Council, now in its 11th year of operation. One featured program is the Corner Office Series. This is an interactive videotaped discussion during which women discuss topics of interest to drive their careers in order to reach the proverbial ‘Corner Office.’ It is a great way to connect women globally.”

Riding the Elevator

“Why am I passionate about this topic?” Hill asked. “I have four daughters. That’s the short answer.”

Hill’s daughters, aged 19 through 22, are just about to enter the workforce. He continued, “As a father, to think that there is any opportunity that is not available to my girls – I would work tirelessly to remove those barriers.”

Hill described how when the Diversity Council first assembled, it was working with HR to get some numbers on the Citi’s gender breakdown. “We felt we needed metrics and charts. But someone just said, ‘If you want to know where we are with diversity, just ride the elevators.’”

“I’ll never forget it,” he said. “Do I feel like the diversity profile on our elevators is optimal? No – I don’t need a pie chart for that.”