Sharifa Anderson has been appointed to the newly created position of Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at mortgage loan company, Fannie Mae, where she will lead on driving diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

There, Anderson will take the lead on Fannie Mae’s efforts to “create measurable, positive diversity, equity, and inclusion outcomes across the enterprise and with its suppliers, business partners, and the people and communities it serves.”

As part of Fannie Mae’s management committee as a Senior Vice President, an integral part of her role will be helping the organisation “advance equitable and sustainable access to homeownership and quality, affordable rental housing for millions of people across America.” Her last role was as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.

Anderson’s new appointment marks a positive step for the financial services industry at large, where senior role representation, especially for ethnic minority women, is low.

Inclusion-driven executive search company, Bridge Partners placed Anderson in the new role at Fannie Mae. Founded in 2003, it is minority-owned and led by DEI practice professionals who met at a previous executive search organisation. The firm is focused on the execution of inclusive assignments.

Debbie Tang, partner, Bridge Partners said: “Consumer trust, regulatory and compliance issues and investor demands are driving the need for financial services organisations to sharpen their focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Sharifa brings a depth of experience and understanding to Fannie Mae to help the organisation realise the benefits and positive business case for inclusive cultures, including increased creativity, innovation, and profitability.”