INvolve unveils 2019’s OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Models

Diversity champion INvolve has unveiled this year’s OUTstanding LGBT+ Role Models, this week. The 2019 lists, supported by Yahoo Finance, celebrate the work being done by LGBT+ and ally leaders across the globe in both the private and public sectors, promoting LGBT+ diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace. 

According to INvolve, the OUTstanding lists are the most global to date, featuring LGBT+ role models from over 20 countries ranging from Ireland to India, and Canada to Costa Rica. 

“We’re delighted to be celebrating another fantastic group of people from across the globe who are collectively driving cultural change and creating workplaces where everyone can succeed,” stated INvolve Founder & CEO, Suki Sandhu.

OUTSTANDING LISTS

There are four lists this year, comprising: 100 LGBT+ Executives, 30 LGBT+ Public Sector Executives, 50 LGBT+ Future Leaders and 50 Ally Executives. 

Pedro Pina, VP Global Client & Agency Solutions, EMEA of Google, tops this year’s 100 LGBT+ Executives list. Pina has been instrumental in spearheading LGBT+ inclusivity at Google. Most recently he has been leading a roadshow across 20 countries to reinforce the importance of better D&I behaviours, especially around LGBT+. He also works extensively with LGBT+ charities, such as Stonewall, Pride in London and Black Pride, outside of Google. 

Aviva’s Interim CEO UK Life Insurance, Angela Darlington, ranks second in the Top 100 LGBT+ Executives list, followed by Dow CEO Jim Fittering. Click here to see the complete list.

Ann Limb, Chair of The Scouts, is number one on the 30 LGBT+ Public Sector Executives list. Limb is the first LGBT+ woman in the 112 year history of the UK Scout Movement to be appointed as Chair. Under her leadership, the Scouts has appointed its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager helping to shape awareness of LGBT+ inclusion amongst young people. Limb has also introduced the Scouts to Pride events across the UK, encouraging members and their families to participate which ensures D&I is at the heart of the movement’s Skills for Life programme. 

Fabrice Houdart, Human Rights Officer of the United Nations, ranks second in the 30 LGBT+ Public Sector Executives list, followed by Dinesh Bhugra, Non-Executive Director, Deputy Chair of the Board of Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust. Click here for the complete list.

Bobbi Pickard, Consultant Senior Project Manager of BP, ranks first on the 50 LGBT+ Future Leaders list, which celebrates the next generation of business leaders pushing for a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Pickard has been instrumental in creating an open and safe space at BP for the trans community and developing resources on a wider scale to educate others on some of the issues faced by this community. 

Barclays Bank Director Sue Bains ranks second in the 50 LGBT+ Future Leaders list, followed by Wally Suphap, Vice President, Legal and Compliance Division at Morgan Stanley. Click here to see the complete list.

José Berenguer, CEO of JP Morgan Brazil, leads the 50 Ally Executives List, which recognises the important role ally executives play by being outspoken and supporting the rights of their LGBT+ colleagues. According to INvolve, he impressed the judges with his fantastic work in helping JP Morgan become the first bank in Brazil to launch an LGBT+ network. 

Hikaru Ogata, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific of Société Générale, ranks second in the 50 Ally Executives list, followed by American Express’ Chief Marketing Officer Elizabeth Rutledge. Click here to check out the full list.

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS

LGBT+ discrimination is still prevalent in many of the world’s biggest economies. In fact, LGBT+ people are not always protected from discrimination by workplace law, in more than half the world, points out INvolve. Same-sex relationships are still illegal in around 72 countries, and 12 of these impose the death penalty. So there’s a long way to go to achieve equality for LGBT+ workers and ensure they feel safe at work worldwide.

Even in Britain, discrimination is rife with 7 in 10 LGBT+ employees saying that they have experienced sexual harassment at work, according to INvolve. Global organisations must therefore make every effort to protect LGBT+ individuals and ensure they feel safe at their workplace.

These lists, which highlight the work of successful LGBT+ role models, can help to change perceptions. “They demonstrate that you can be successful and out at work, but most importantly inspire the next generation of LGBT+ leaders,” added Sandhu.