Claire Black: A Distinguished Executive Assistant in the Financial Services Sector
In the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of the global financial services sector, the role of an Executive Assistant is far more than administrative support. It requires discretion, foresight, trustworthiness, and the ability to manage complex international operations with precision. One name that stands out in this field is Claire Black, whose professional journey reflects unwavering dedication and exceptional capability. With over two decades of experience spanning some of the most renowned financial institutions in London, including Fitch Learning, Principal Asset Management, M&G Investments, and Sarasin & Partners LLP, Claire has carved out an impressive career built on commitment, professionalism, and adaptability.
This article provides a detailed look at her career trajectory, education, honours, and the wealth of experience she has accumulated while working alongside senior executives and C-Suite leaders.
Early Foundations in Education
Claire’s career foundations were laid through a Higher Diploma in Administration (1996–1997), where she developed key skills that would later prove indispensable in executive support. In addition to her diploma, she attained specialised typing and transcription qualifications: RSA Word Processing II, RSA Text Processing III, and RSA Audio Transcription III.
Her earlier education also included A Levels in Communications Studies and Sociology (1993–1995), fields that strengthened her understanding of workplace dynamics and enhanced her interpersonal skills. This solid educational base prepared her for the demands of supporting senior leadership in fast-paced, global organisations.
Early Career at EY
Claire’s professional journey began at Ernst & Young (EY), one of the world’s largest professional services firms. Between 1999 and 2003, she held roles as Senior Secretary in Bristol and later as Operations Assistant in London.
These positions exposed her to large-scale corporate environments and gave her valuable insight into supporting executive operations, managing confidential documentation, and maintaining efficiency in busy offices. This was the period where her administrative career took shape, and her meticulous attention to detail set the tone for her future success.
Sarasin & Partners LLP: Assistant to Senior Leaders
In 2003, Claire transitioned to Sarasin & Partners LLP, a prominent London-based investment management firm. She served as Personal Assistant to the Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Investment Team Heads for over two years.
Her role involved providing high-level administrative support to senior executives, managing sensitive schedules, and ensuring seamless coordination between investment teams. This experience deepened her understanding of asset management and marked her entry into the financial services sector, where she would continue to thrive.
M&G Investments: A Step into High-Profile Support
Claire’s next career milestone was at M&G Investments in London, where she worked from 2005 to 2007. She held the position of Personal Assistant to Directors, specifically supporting the Head of Fund Platforms and Head of Retail Sales.
This role required precision in handling complex administrative duties and extensive collaboration with senior stakeholders. The position enhanced her expertise in managing directors’ schedules, coordinating business strategies, and ensuring operational efficiency at one of the UK’s largest investment managers.
Principal Asset Management: Over a Decade of Excellence
Perhaps the most defining chapter of Claire Black’s career was her tenure at Principal Global Investors (Principal Asset Management), where she worked for over 14 years (2007–2022).
Her role as Business Support Manager & Executive Assistant was multifaceted and highly demanding. She was responsible for:
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Managing the London support team and ensuring seamless administrative operations.
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Providing executive assistance to the European CEO, including confidential business management.
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Supporting the Executive Operating Committee at the C-Suite level, handling sensitive information, and attending key operational meetings.
During this period, Claire’s reputation for discretion, trustworthiness, and commitment grew substantially. Her ability to manage extensive global travel arrangements, itineraries, and visa requirements further demonstrated her organisational excellence.
Seaforth Land Limited: Executive Assistant
After her long tenure at Principal, Claire joined Seaforth Land Limited in 2022 as an Executive Assistant. Though her time here was brief—just four months—it added another layer of experience to her career. In this role, she continued to hone her skills in providing high-level executive support, reflecting her adaptability to new environments and industries.
Fitch Learning: Executive Assistant to the CEO
Since September 2022, Claire has been serving as Executive Assistant to the CEO of Fitch Learning, a global leader in financial education. Based in London, this role positions her at the centre of executive operations for an organisation that provides learning solutions to financial professionals worldwide.
At Fitch Learning, Claire continues to demonstrate her ability to manage complex responsibilities, from coordinating international travel to ensuring smooth operational flow for the Chief Executive Officer. Her position underlines her long-standing commitment to supporting global leadership at the highest level.
Honours and Awards
Claire’s career excellence has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognised with notable honours that highlight her contribution to the executive assistant profession:
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Finalist – PA of the Year 2014 (awarded by Executive PA Magazine): This recognition underscored her exceptional skills, reliability, and professional reputation.
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Diversity Project Champion 2021: Awarded for her role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, particularly through initiatives to support working families within the financial sector.
These accolades reflect both her professional excellence and her advocacy for inclusive workplace culture, reinforcing her status as a leader in her field.
Skills and Professional Strengths
Throughout her career, Claire Black has demonstrated an impressive set of skills that are vital in her line of work:
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Discretion and Trustworthiness – essential qualities for anyone working closely with C-Suite executives.
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Organisational Mastery – adept at managing global travel, scheduling, and executive-level priorities.
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Team Leadership – experience in leading and managing administrative teams within large organisations.
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Adaptability – proven success in transitioning across firms with varied corporate cultures.
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Communication Skills – strong ability to liaise with stakeholders at all levels, from directors to global CEOs.
Legacy and Contribution to the Profession
What sets Claire Black apart is not only her longevity in the financial services sector but also the impact she has made on the profession of executive support. She embodies the modern Executive Assistant: not simply a secretary or administrator, but a strategic partner to leadership teams, ensuring that senior executives can focus on vision and decision-making while she manages the operational complexities.
Her recognition as a Diversity Project Champion also signals her commitment to shaping more inclusive workplaces, further enhancing her professional legacy.
Conclusion
The career of Claire Black stands as a testament to dedication, discretion, and professionalism in the financial services sector. From her early days at EY to her current role at Fitch Learning, she has consistently delivered excellence in executive support. Her experiences at Sarasin & Partners LLP, M&G Investments, Principal Asset Management, Seaforth Land Limited, and Fitch Learning highlight her ability to thrive in complex, demanding environments while maintaining the highest standards of trust and confidentiality.
Claire’s journey demonstrates how the role of an Executive Assistant has evolved into a critical strategic function within global organisations. Her awards, education, and long service across prestigious institutions solidify her reputation as one of the most accomplished professionals in her field.
