As CEO of Unilever, fostering an environment where each individual feels uniquely valued and free to bring their whole selves to work is among Paul’s highest priorities. He supports LGBT+ initiatives worldwide, through impactful internal programmes, policies, LGBT+ PRIDE networks, and advocating through the Unilever brands externally. Through Paul’s leadership, last year Unilever became the first company to publish a Human Rights Report, which examined areas such as discrimination, freedom of association, harassment and fair wages in detail. They also promote inclusive policies on diversity, LGBT+ and minority ethnicities, and explicit same sex benefits where possible – for instance, Unilever USA’s benefits cover gender affirmation surgery and benefits for same-sex or domestic partners. Unilever are active members of Stonewall in the UK and this year achieved their 9th consecutive 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index in the US. Paul is also engaging with states in the USA that are seeking to reverse HB2, the controversial bathroom bill and has signed statements commending LGBT+ policies, as part of a wider B-Team campaign against homophobia, including research illustrating that diversity is good for business.
