Yahoo Finance The most powerful LGBT+ executives and role models in the world
LGBT+ executive network OUTstanding has released its annual list that recognises and celebrates the work being done by most powerful LGBT+ business leaders and allies across the globe to promote diversity and inclusion.
The list this year is more comprehensive than ever, featuring role models from over 20 countries and 40 sectors. All the executives featured represent organisations which collectively employ nearly 12 million people around the world.
“Our sixth OUTstanding lists are our most international and diverse ever. They features executives representing 21 countries around the world – from Ghana to Germany and from India to Israel,” said Suki Sandhu, Founder & CEO, INvolve, a membership organisation that champions diversity and inclusion.
“We’re so proud to see so many senior and future leaders recognised as role models for their work driving cultural change and creating environments where everyone can succeed. Everyone – regardless of gender, sexuality or ethnicity – benefits from a level playing field where people feel able to bring their whole selves to work.”
Leading the list is Jim Fitterling, CEO, Dow Chemical Company (DOW) who said: “I am incredibly proud and grateful for this recognition and honoured to be among so many inspiring leaders. Communities are made stronger through full inclusion and equal treatment for all, and Role Models are crucial in proving that being different should not be an obstacle to success.”
INvolve created the list by first receiving nominations by peers and colleagues. Those nominations were then reviewed by OUTstanding’s judging panel, consisting:
Lord Browne, Executive Chairman, L1 Energy, and former CEO, BP (BP.L);
Dawn Airey, CEO, Getty Images;
Ashok Vaswani, CEO, Barclays UK (BARC.L);
Harriet Green, CEO & Chairman, Asia Pac, IBM (IBM);
Vicki Culpin, Dean of Faculty and Director of Research, Ashridge Business School;
Suki Sandhu, Founder & CEO, INvolve;
Josh Spero, Transport correspondent and contributor to Modern Workplace: LGBT+, Financial Times.
Each person was judged on four factors: what they do to encourage LGBT+ inclusion in their own organisation; what they do to encourage LGBT+ inclusion outside of the workplace; recent awards and promotions; and their level of seniority within the business.
Recognising and celebrating these executives is important because there is still a great deal to be done on truly gain equality for the LGBT community in work and society. In 71 countries same-sex relationships are still illegal and 10 of these countries impose the death penalty. INvolve highlighted how in charity Stonewall’s LGBT+ in Britain Work Report, over a third of LGBT+ staff have hidden their sexuality at work while Office for National Statistics (ONS) statistics show that nearly a quarter of LGBT+ employees have had a negative reaction in the workplace due to their sexuality.
It is for this reason that INvolve/OUTstanding also created a number of other lists: top ally executives, top future executives, and top public sector executives. Catherine P Bessant, chief operations and technology officer at Bank of America, topped the allies list.
Table: OUTstanding/INvolve
“Every day, I’m proud to work for a firm that insists on equality and opportunity. We are stronger and better for it. The world is a better place and we support the clients and communities we serve. It’s smart and right and we will continue to pioneer,” said Bessant.
Suki Sandhu was also a guest on Yahoo Finance’s new podcast talking about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The first two episodes are out now! You’ll find them on Apple, ACast, and Google podcasts. More articles on the subject are on the dedicated Work & Management hub at Yahoo Finance UK.
