Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (BBH) has appointed Chris Michel as Head of Diversity & Inclusion for the firm, effective December 7, 2015.

Michel will build programs that advance the firm’s inclusive culture, help BBH attract and retain top talent across the full spectrum of diversity, and grow BBH’s external brand as a leader in diversity and inclusion efforts.

He is based in New York and reports to Partner Kathryn George.

Michel will also have responsibility for supporting and enhancing the BBH Affinity Network Communities, a group of nine employee-run networks which provide opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in networking, mentoring, professional development and global collaboration.

“Chris’ appointment underscores BBH’s long-standing commitment to embracing the value of diverse perspectives and the kind of open dialogue that drives innovation and solutions and is critical to our business strategy,” said George.

“We are pleased to welcome Chris to BBH and we are confident his wealth of experience will catapult us forward in our efforts to ensure an inclusive culture that is stronger as a result of our differences,” she added.

Michel joins BBH from American International Group (AIG) where he served as Senior Director of Diversity & Inclusion for EMEA & the Americas and helped build a global Diversity and Inclusion program.

Prior to AIG, he was Director of Diversity & Inclusion at the United States Tennis Association where he was responsible for executing the organization’s strategic diversity plan. Previously, he was responsible for Supplier Diversity initiatives at Merrill Lynch & Co.

“I’m extremely pleased to be named the first diversity officer in the long history of this great firm,” said Michel.

“BBH has recognized that in the rapidly changing global marketplace in which we operate, leveraging diversity & inclusion is a critical business strategy that will positively impact future success on many different levels. I look forward to delivering on the promise of our inclusive culture for the benefit of our employees and clients.”

BBH is a privately held financial institution that has been a thought leader and solutions provider for nearly 200 years.

The Firm serves institutions, businesses, families, and individuals in its three business lines: Investor Services, Investment Management, and Private Banking.