Black Women on Wall Street: Executive Amy Ellis-Simon

Despite reports by major news outlets like the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times that “the ranks of women are thin” in the financial services industry, Amy Ellis-Simon is making power moves on Wall Street. The managing director and head of middle market and multi-product sales for Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, Ellis-Simon is a University of Michigan graduate who enjoys “watching the evolution of people who are good at what they do take that leap to the next level.”

Ellis-Simon plays a major role in the financial behemoth’s global banking and markets (GBAM) business. She manages a national sales team that provides service across the spectrum of equity and debt products, including convertibles, equities, equity derivatives, credit and credit derivatives. She also coordinates the cross-platform partnership between the global banking and markets (GBAM) business and the global wealth and investment management (GWIM) business.

“My objective is to come in every day and bring value to our clients,” says Ellis-Simon about her personal business philosophy. “We [Bank of America Merrill Lynch] want to be leaders in a different, very dynamic, ever-changing environment – staying close to clients and working with them to strategically address their needs is imperative.”

Ellis-Simon admits that mentors have played a significant role in her leadership development.“I have had mentors in all shapes and sizes — formal and informal. I’m fortunate to have people who care about me and give me encouragement and authentic advice,” she says.

The savvy executive advises black women aspiring to have a career in the financial services industry to “know your craft, inside and out. You have to be dedicated and willing to work hard and learn from those around you,” she says. –yvette caslin