Dr Kamel Hothi OBE Recognised with a Diversity Champion Award
International motivational speaker and diversity advocate, Dr Kamel Hothi OBE, was last night honoured with the Diversity Champion Award by the equality charity Diversity UK. The award was presented by event host Alex Danks, Principal at Futurum Financial Advice, and Francesca Jus-Burke, Managing Associate at Greenwoods Legal LLP, alongside Diversity UK Trustees.
The accolade recognises Dr Hothi’s tireless dedication to advancing race equality and fostering inclusive leadership across the UK.
Rising from a bank cashier to Director at Lloyds Banking Group, Dr Hothi has shattered barriers and paved the way for others, becoming one of the first senior Asian women in British banking. Her pioneering work in equity, diversity and inclusion has had a far-reaching impact across both corporate and charitable sectors.
A sought-after advisor, speaker and changemaker, Dr Hothi continues to challenge the status quo, champion underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful allyship. Presenting the award, Francesca Jus-Burke, Trustee of Diversity UK, remarked: “Dr Hothi’s work embodies the very essence of inclusive leadership, and we are privileged to celebrate her achievements.”
Lopa Patel MBE, Chair of Diversity UK and nominator for the award, added: “I’ve been inspired by Kamel for nearly 25 years. Throughout that time, she has brought professionalism, diligence and empathy to every high-profile initiative she’s led. Most recently, she has raised awareness around mental health, dementia and Alzheimer’s as an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society. What many don’t realise is the number of personal challenges she has faced in her campaign for inclusion, all while fulfilling roles as a mother, carer and wife within a traditional Indian culture rich in honour and customs.”
A Rallying Call for Women’s Health
Earlier in the evening, Dr Hothi delivered a powerful keynote address urging attendees to find purpose and take meaningful action on women’s health. She highlighted the continued burden of unpaid care carried by women and called for open conversations around dementia and Alzheimer’s, particularly in underrepresented communities.
As an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, she encouraged intergenerational dialogue: “Ask your parents and grandparents about their lives, and listen to the challenges they’ve faced. Their stories hold the wisdom that can guide your own journey.”
Dr Hothi’s address formed part of the third Diversity Tech Summit, held on 25 June 2025 in London. This year’s theme focused on addressing the gender health gap, an often-overlooked area in health and technology. The event brought together investors, academics, founders and innovators to explore real solutions.
Upon accepting the award, Dr Hothi said: “With deep gratitude, I accept this honour - not as an endpoint, but as a call to continue championing inclusion, equality, and belonging for all. Together, we can shape a future where every voice is valued — by showing compassion and recognising how far the person in front of us has come.”
Dr Kamel Hothi OBE, International Motivational Speaker, NED, Trustee & Advisor
Dr Kamel Hothi OBE is an international motivational speaker and supports several boards as a NED, Advisor and Trustee including Lloyds of London ESG Committee for the Insurance Industry, The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust across 54 countries on social change for youth and as an advisor to Alzheimer’s Society. She was previously a NED for TLC Lions supporting over 300 global companies on their inclusion, wellbeing, leadership development and executive coaching.
Kamel had 40 year career as a banker, working her way up in the industry from cashier to Director, and building her experience as an architect of numerous initiatives that have shaped the banking industry such as leading Lloyds Banking Groups 250th anniversary and developing local programmes with Business in the Community which is part of the Prince’s Charities group formed by HM The King while he was The Prince of Wales. In recognition of her commitment and purpose around inclusion, Kamel was awarded an OBE for diversity across banking in 2017.
Her skills set in stakeholder management and collaboration has seen huge successes such as the development of civil partnerships across the private and public sector by encouraging innovation of programmes and supporting culture change and new operating models following mergers, acquisitions and turnarounds.
As an international motivational speaker, she is invited to inspire colleagues on topics like allyship, gender, race equality and leadership, helping senior executives transition to becoming more inclusive and empathetic. All this she has balanced as a mother, carer and wife living within a complex traditional Indian culture full of honour and traditions.
Dr Hothi now joins a distinguished group of Diversity Champion Award recipients. Previous honourees include peers Lord Bilimoria, Lord Gadhia, Baroness Verma, Baroness Prashar and Lord Marvin Rees, alongside campaigners such as Professor Marcia Wilson and poet and activist Jaspreet Kaur (aka Behind the Netra).
Click here for a copy of the Diversity Tech Summit 2025 Brochure
