US-based diversified consumer finance firm Regional Management has announced that Peter R Knitzer, its President and Chief Executive Officer, has scooped the 2019 Corporate Visionary Award. It was awarded by Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA), for his commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse Board of Directors, which includes four Latin members.
Commenting on the award, Knitzer stated: “We are honoured that Regional Management has been recognised by the Latino Corporate Directors Association as a recipient of the 2019 Corporate Visionary Award. We will continue to prioritise the inclusion of diverse viewpoints and backgrounds on our Board and among our team members, as we believe that diversity significantly contributes to our company’s success.”
Regional Management’s four Latin board members include Carlos Palomares, Roel C Campos, Alvaro G de Molina and Maria Contreras-Sweet, who collectively make up half of its Board.
LEVERAGING LATIN EXPERTISE
LCDA’s Corporate Visionary Award is presented to a select group of forward-looking companies who are leading the way and have the distinction of having two or more US Latinos serving on their boards. “We were honoured to recognise Regional Management as an exemplary company that leverages the expertise and experience of Latinos in the boardroom,” said Esther Aguilera, LCDA President and CEO.
Photo credit: LCDA
Yet, only 2.7% of Fortune 1000 company board seats are held by Latinos, and the number of Latinas on boards is less than 1%, despite the fact that studies demonstrate the financial benefits of inclusivity, according to LCDA. Inclusive organisations are six times more likely to be innovative and agile, and twice as more likely to meet or exceed financial targets, it added.
Comprising US Latinos that serve on publicly traded or large privately held company boards, as well as C-level aspiring directors, LCDA is aiming to increase the number of Latin executives on corporate boards.
Sign up for our newsletter
