Debra Ward
Managing Director for Europe and North America, Macro
Receiving her Academic Prize of a place on the Accelerated Developement Program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business from Arnold Longboy, Managing Director Executive Education EMEA & APAC
I didn’t always understand my greater role to inspire women moving up in their careers. That changed when a young woman once said to me ‘it’s hard to emulate what you can’t see’, so I feel deeply honoured to be recognised by Women in the City as the 2014 Woman of Achievement, for my work as a champion of women in the workplace.
Judging Panel Comment
In selecting Debra Ward as the 2014 Woman of Achievement, Prof Susan Vinnicombe CBE, Chairman of the Judging Panel said:
Debra was up against some very strong contenders but in the end the panel was unanimous in choosing her as the overall winner. Not only were we hugely impressed by her career success- in a sector which does not attract a lot of women- but also with her passion, energy and commitment to bringing on other women. Debra embodies all the values of the Women in the City Award and does so in a truly authentic way. She will be a hard act to follow!
Personal Profile
Debra Ward is the managing director of international FM leader Macro, where she is responsible for the overall political, economic, social, technical, environmental and legal compliance and success of the company in the UK, Europe and North America. Her belief in, and execution of, outstanding service and the professional development of individuals and teams; exceeding expectations and inspiring others to meet personal and business targets, defines her management approach.
In 2007 Debra and her team founded Mitie Client Services, which became the industry leader for front of house services, growing turnover to £22 million. The company was named the 45th best small company to work for in The Sunday Times Top 100 and received their coveted Special Training award. In 2012 they were named BIFM’s Service Provider of the Year, and in 2013 received FMA’s National Training award.
Debra is a champion for women in the workplace, and became a certified executive coach to better support those that she mentors. She has officially mentored over 20 women and unofficially supported many more on their journeys. She is the immediate past chair of Women in FM, and is the driving force behind many charitable initiatives including: The Warm Hug Appeal, Happy Feet, Hope and Soap, as well as partnering with The Passage and supporting Great Ormond Street and the Poppy Appeal.
With a strong academic background, Debra has held various managerial roles in the food and hotel management industry. She has an international background, having worked in six countries on three continents, and previously spent seven years as a service and organisational change consultant within the facilities industry.
Watch a recent video interview with Debra Ward
