Anita Tanna: A Distinguished Leader in Global Equity Sales and Banking Strategy
In the competitive and fast-paced world of global financial services, leadership requires not only expertise but also resilience, vision, and adaptability. One name that has risen to prominence in this domain is Anita Tanna, the current Group Chief of Staff at Barclays. With over two decades of experience in financial markets, equity distribution, and client management, Anita has established herself as a highly influential figure in the banking sector. Her career reflects a rare combination of technical knowledge, people management skills, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
This article explores Anita Tanna’s professional journey, her contributions to equity markets, and the leadership values that define her distinguished career.
Early Life and Education
Anita Tanna laid the foundation of her career by excelling academically. She graduated with a First-Class Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics from The University of Manchester in 2004, majoring in Econometrics. This strong quantitative grounding equipped her with the analytical skills required to navigate complex market dynamics.
Her academic discipline was complemented by her education at St Albans High School for Girls, an institution renowned for nurturing independent thinking and academic excellence. These formative years built the intellectual rigour and confidence that would later serve her in global financial markets.
Professional Journey
Barclays: Leadership at the Forefront
Currently serving as Group Chief of Staff, Managing Director at Barclays, Anita Tanna assumed this role in January 2024. Positioned at the core of Barclays’ leadership team, she plays a pivotal role in shaping strategy, overseeing execution, and driving organisational priorities.
Before this role, she held key leadership positions within Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank:
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Head of Equity Sales, High Touch & Program Trading Execution Services (2022–2024)
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Head of EMEA Equity Sales, Managing Director (2021–2022)
These roles gave her responsibility for sales teams across regions, covering Hedge Funds and Long-Only clients, and delivering the bank’s global equity platform, including Prime, Delta One, and Derivatives.
Her ability to combine strong technical expertise with client development strategies made her an invaluable asset to Barclays, enabling her to seamlessly transition from front-line sales to a core strategic leadership role.
Citi: Over a Decade of Impact
Before joining Barclays, Anita spent nearly 12 years at Citi, where she rose to the rank of Managing Director.
Her Citi career highlights include:
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Head of Equity Sales, UK (2018–2021)
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Head of International Sales (2017–2019)
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Head of Global Sales (2014–2017)
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Global Equity Sales (2009–2014)
At Citi, Anita managed sales desks spanning Global, US, Asian, and Emerging Market equities, with a strong focus on servicing hedge fund clients. In addition to her revenue-generating roles, she played a meaningful part in organisational culture, serving on both the EMEA Markets ESG Committee and the EMEA Markets Diversity Committee. These roles underline her passion for advancing sustainability and inclusion alongside commercial performance.
Goldman Sachs and Bear Stearns: Building Blocks of Expertise
Earlier in her career, Anita worked at Goldman Sachs as an Associate in European Equity Sales to Hedge Funds (2007–2009). Before that, she began her journey at Bear Stearns as an Analyst in Equity Research and Specialist Sales (2004–2006).
These early years in equity research and hedge fund sales gave her a strong technical grounding in market analysis, investment banking, and client servicing—skills that became the foundation of her later leadership roles.
Skills and Expertise
Equities and Financial Markets
Anita Tanna’s core expertise lies in equities and financial markets, where she has consistently delivered value for clients and employers alike. Her work spans cash equities, program trading, derivatives, and prime services.
Client Development and Business Growth
She is recognised for building deep, trust-based relationships with both Hedge Fund and Long-Only clients. Her ability to connect macroeconomic insights with client strategies makes her a trusted advisor to some of the world’s most sophisticated investors.
Leadership and Team Management
With extensive experience managing multi-regional sales and sales-trading teams, Anita has demonstrated her ability to motivate diverse groups, align them with strategic objectives, and deliver consistent results across competitive markets.
ESG Advocacy and Inclusion
Anita has been a consistent advocate for inclusion, diversity, and ESG priorities. At both Citi and Barclays, she has actively promoted opportunities for underrepresented groups and championed sustainable business practices. Her leadership reflects a belief that finance must align profitability with broader social responsibility.
Leadership Style and Values
Strategic Vision
As Group Chief of Staff at Barclays, Anita demonstrates strategic foresight, ensuring that business priorities align with both client needs and long-term industry trends.
Advocacy for Equality
Her commitment to inclusion and opportunity is well-documented. She has sought to create platforms where diverse voices are heard and promoted, ensuring that equity is not just a financial term but also a workplace reality.
ESG Sponsorship
By advocating for ESG frameworks, she highlights the importance of sustainable finance. Her role in steering committees and championing ESG strategy positions her as a leader not only of today’s banking needs but also of the future of responsible finance.
Career Timeline at a Glance
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2024 – Present: Group Chief of Staff, Barclays (Managing Director)
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2022 – 2024: Head of Equity Sales, High Touch & Program Trading, Barclays
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2021 – 2022: Head of EMEA Equity Sales, Barclays
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2009 – 2021: Citi (multiple leadership roles, including Head of UK, International, and Global Equity Sales)
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2007 – 2009: Associate, Goldman Sachs
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2004 – 2006: Analyst, Bear Stearns
Anita Tanna’s Place in Global Banking
Anita Tanna represents the new era of financial leadership—leaders who combine technical expertise with cultural advocacy and a global outlook. She has transitioned seamlessly from equity sales to strategic leadership, while never losing sight of the importance of diversity and sustainability in shaping the future of finance.
Her journey underscores how deep market knowledge, combined with inclusive leadership, can transform careers and institutions alike.
Conclusion
The story of Anita Tanna is one of resilience, excellence, and evolution. From her early days as an analyst at Bear Stearns to her current position as Group Chief of Staff at Barclays, she has consistently delivered results while shaping the culture and strategy of the institutions she has served.
With over 20 years of experience, Anita is not only a skilled banker but also a role model for aspiring leaders who seek to blend technical acumen with advocacy for inclusion and ESG principles. Her journey illustrates that leadership in banking today demands more than financial expertise—it requires vision, integrity, and the courage to lead change.
In a world where financial services continue to evolve, Anita Tanna’s career offers both inspiration and a blueprint for the future of responsible, inclusive, and sustainable banking.
