Most Powerful Women in Finance: No. 20, Citigroup's Maria Hackley

Managing Director, Global Co-Head of Industrials, Banking, Capital Markets and Advisory

Maria Hackley’s parents left Cuba in 1960 after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, and when they came to the United States they were able to bring very little with them to start their new lives.

One thing they held onto was a devotion to education, which they instilled in their daughter. Today, Hackley carries on that commitment in her role as global co-head of the industrials group in Citigroup's banking, capital markets and advisory division, where she is charged with developing and managing bankers covering a portfolio of 1,800 clients.

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In her role as global co-head of the industrials group in Citigroup's banking, capital markets and advisory division, Hackley is charged with developing and managing bankers covering a portfolio of 1,800 clients.

Hackley is on the board of directors of Breakthrough New York (BTNY), a not-for-profit charity that helps high-achieving but disadvantaged students achieve their academic goals. Her work with the group, which includes involvement in the finance committee, earned her special recognition at the BTNY Gala in 2015, an honor that Hackley cites as one of the most memorable moments of her life. She currently serves on the steering committee for the 2021 Virtual Gala, which has raised $790,000 to date.

Hackley, proud of her Cuban heritage, has made a point of mentoring and recruiting Hispanic undergraduates and MBA students. She serves on the board of Cuba Emprende Foundation, which helps Cuban entrepreneurs start and maintain businesses.

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As the parent account manager for General Electric, Hackley has successfully managed one of Citi’s largest and most complex corporate clients for the last 17 years. Working closely with GE in 66 countries, she has consistently delivered strong revenue and capital returns.

Ever curious in her work, Hackley has kept a close eye on areas that could have a disruptive impact on the global economy, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, alternative energy, the sharing economy and the internet of things.

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