Beth reports directly to EY’s Global Chairman and CEO, and is a member of EY’s Global Executive, its highest management body. Since coming out in an ‘It Gets Better’ video in 2011, Beth has leveraged her global platform to champion LGBT issues. For example, she chaired the executive panel to unify EY’s LGBT networks globally and establish a new network identity under the brand, ‘Unity.’  This year Beth also provided a keynote at the US National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce conference and Out on the Street event, appeared at Japan’s SuperStar awards to celebrate LGBT role models, and was featured in Lord Browne’s book, “The Glass Closet.” Additionally Forbes has named Beth among its “World's 100 Most Powerful Women” seven times.

Paul is the CEO of this division as well as the executive sponsor of BP’s Pride Affinity Network. He is fully open and has been quoted on LGBT matters in the Times, the FT and the Evening Standard, as well as various in-house articles. He is committed to challenging the stereotypes and prejudices associated with the oil and gas industry. Paul was formerly a member of the BP Group CEO’s diversity council, Chaired his own division’s Diversity Council and helped launched the LBGT Professional Oil Industry Network in Singapore.

Joseph reports directly to the Chairman and CEO, Heading all media relations and corporate communications worldwide for JPMorgan Chase. He plays a key role in the company’s Global Diversity Initiative and serves as a mentor to his LGBT colleagues and a “Senior Champion” of the company’s LGBT group, Pride. Additionally, in 2014 he was appointed as vice-chair of the Empire State Pride Agenda, the largest civil rights and advocacy group serving LGBT New Yorkers.

He has held director, managing director, CEO and Chair roles in a number of major organisations including Granada, ITV, EMI and Tesco. He is active in the House of Lords and is Chair of the Labour Party Management Board.  He is open and honest about his sexuality in all aspects of his life and has had board responsibility or played an active role in diversity in the companies he currently chairs, as well as a number of others.

Claudia is two levels down from the CEO of IBM (440,000 employees) and reports directly to the head of her Division. As the IBM Global Co-Chair for the LGBT Executive Taskforce she has Rolled out Straight Ally Training and Certification to 440,000 IBMers worldwide, rolled out benefit equality to LGBT IBMers worldwide where it is allowed by law, shared best practices around the world with other corporations and sponsored 41 diversity network groups in 30 countries. Claudia also serves on the Board of Directors or Advisory board of 6 different LGBT organisations, in four different countries.

Colin was the American Express Executive Vice President, Proprietary Card Services, Chairman of the European Commercial Committee and was on the boards of American Express Services Europe Ltd., Swisscard and the UK Cards Association. At Amex Colin advised the employee Pride network, providing a senior leadership voice and acting as an advocate for the network. He also actively supports the LGBT community through both personal and corporate sponsorship and is involved with board committees for various LGBT organisations.

Robert is currently the CEO and minority equity owner of global handcrafted luxury jewellery brand John Hardy. He is publicly out in all business situations and leverages both the advice and counsel of his Boards and Colleagues on issues critical to the LGBT community. Robert believes that an executive’s purpose is to create economic opportunity by delivering results, but that there is a concurrent goal: to make whatever business he is helming a force for positive social change. He has worked hard to advocate for LGBT people in business, including: submitting an amicus brief arguing the business case for marriage equality in California; chairing LGBT associate advocacy groups; ensuring that workplace policies successfully address LGBT equality; and speaking at LGBT Business Conferences such as Out & Equal.

Anthony is the Managing Director and Chief Information Officer Europe Middle East retail and business banking, managing employees across 22 companies. He is completely open about his sexuality, is a Founding Trustee and Member of the Board of Directors of the Inclusion Foundation, as well as an ambassador for both Stonewall and Diversity Role Models. In July 2013 Anthony was voted as the #26 most influential gay person in the world in The World Pride Power List, moving 30 places up from his position in 2012.

Mary Jo is an executive in 3M Company, leading one of 30 divisions. She has participated in dialogue sessions with the CEO on LGBT workplace opportunities and has individual meetings with employees concerned about “coming out” in workplace. Mary Jo is also involved in leadership development programs where she presents or participates as an executive, often discussing her spouse if questions around work/life balance or personal impact of being an executive are raised as part of the conversation. She is a member of LGBT employee resource group and serves as a mentor for employees. She regularly donates to LGBT organisations.

Robert is currently Chairman of NBC Entertainment and the first openly gay broadcast network chief. Throughout his career he has had a profound influence on LGBT visibility in popular culture, including his time as an Executive Producer on HBO’s Six Feet Under. In 2011 he was awarded the Stephen F Kolzak award from GLAAD and continues to be a role model and spokesperson for LGBT issues in business and media.

Patrick is a Deputy General Counsel at Accenture, leads the global function focussed on employment law, compliance and regulatory matters. He reports directly to the General Counsel and is a member of the Accenture Legal Executive Leadership team. In his additional role as the Executive Sponsor of the Accenture UK LGBT Network, Patrick acts as the interlock between the Accenture UK Executive and the LGBT Network committee to ensure an inclusive workplace for LGBT employees. He reverse mentors Accenture Leadership on the importance of inclusive ways of working encouraging them to consider initiatives that could be undertaken to support LGBT employees as well as raise awareness and enhance understanding amongst the UK workforce.  Externally to Accenture Patrick acts as a mentor to other organisations sharing best practice on LGBT equality in the workplace.

Pierre is Deputy General Counsel for the EMEA region, reporting to the General Counsel based in Sunnyvale (California), who himself reports into the CEO. He has been out inside and outside of work ever since he initially started working at Disneyland Paris as a cast member in the Park. Pierre is actively involved in supporting initiatives for LGBT employees internationally, positioning himself as executive sponsor of local projects.

Angela has worked with Aviva for a number of years, previously as Chief Actuary and currently as Chief Risk Officer of Aviva Life. She has been completely out for a number of years, plays an increasing role in the Aviva Pride network and has contributed to Aviva’s “It gets better project”. Additionally, she has recently joined York's Fairness and Equality Board which aims to tackle many forms of inequality and unfairness in York, including LGBT issues.

Richard is a senior executive and one of the top 100 people in the banking group. He uses his position to encourage people not feel they need to hide their real selves in the workplace and to know they have a senior ally confidant and supporter. He has been an active sponsor of the Stonewall youth leaders program and mentor a number of LGBT colleagues. Additionally he helped to organise the Audacity Talent rising Conference as part of the Lord Mayors appeal and her talent agenda.

Liz is the most senior female Partner in the UK&I firm of 702 Partners and the most senior LGBT Partner. She manages over 8,500 people within the firm ranging from interns to partners on a regional scale. Additionally as the Diversity and Inclusiveness Co-Sponsor, Liz has been instrumental in the business ranking number 5 in the 2014 Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. She also provides informal mentoring to junior members of staff, and has been selected as 1 of 16 Global Stonewall Role Models. She also utilises her personal time to support Diversity Role Models and Food Chain.

At the age of 36, Robert is the Executive Director of Resources, leading more than 500 people across Finance, Treasury, IS&T, HR, Facilities Management and Learning & Development, as well as the Executive and strategic lead for Diversity and Inclusion. He is personally engaged with Circle’s diversity initiatives, initiating Circle’s first ever diversity conference for non-Executives and leading their first ever bus at London Pride. Under Robert’s leadership Circle Housing’s LGBT Network Group has increased from 20 to 70 members, and the organisation has jumped 106 places in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index during 2013/14.

As Managing Director Consumer Telco at Microsoft, Marianne has very carefully crafted an aura of openness, often in countries where LGBT issues are particularly sensitive. Marianne sits on the World Wide Board of GLEAM: Gay and Lesbian Employees at Microsoft and she also personally mentors a few GLEAM-ers to help them to be authentic in the workplace. Additionally she can often be heard speaking at events held by initiatives such as Women in Wireless and Gay Women’s Network (GWN).

Jan is one of the 70 most senior directors in the Group and is responsible for the leadership, oversight and governance of brand and marketing strategy worldwide. She is the very visible sponsor of the LGBT employee network Aviva Pride. In March she led a workshop attended by c45 marketing professionals on why LGBT issues were important to their customers. Additionally, Jan was elected chair of trustees at Stonewall in May 2014, and was part of the Purple Reign photographic exhibition created by Thomas Knights to celebrate the success of LGBT professionals and straight allies. She also participated on a panel of a diversity workshop at The Law Society in May and chairing the closing panel at Stonewall Workplace Conference in Manchester in June.

Alison has worked with Standard Chartered for over 10 years, including 5 years spent as CEO of Standard Chartered Jersey. Now, as Programme Director Simplification she is an active member of the SC LGBT network, a regular speaker at their LGBT events, and is thoroughly open about her sexuality in all aspects of her life.

Steven is a Bain Partner and since 2000 has served as Vice President of Global Operations. In his 27 years at Bain Steven has worked in offices across the world, and has been open about his sexuality throughout. He was a founder and is currently the lead executive sponsor of the firms’ LGBT network – BGLAD. Steven helped to design the network’s innovative four-level membership, accommodating for different levels of ‘out’ as well as for straight allies.

After gaining a vast amount of experience in HR, Andrew has recently settled into the role of Senior Vice President of People Support & Excellence at Tate & Lyle. He is completely open about his sexuality, both within the workplace and his personal life, and has devoted significant time to encouraging colleagues to embrace the same sense of openness. This has created a strong support system within the organisation for LGBT employees.

Rachel is the Head of Internal Audit for the Refining and Marketing Division and leads D&I for Group Audit. She is open both inside and outside of work and is a firm supporter and mentor to the BP Pride Group. She also represented BP on the LGBT panel at last years’ European Diversity Conference. Rachel additionally serves as Treasurer of the Stonewall Board of Trustees.

Vincent is Managing Director and the Regional Group Chief Audit Executive for Société Générale and is completely open about his sexual orientation, both inside and outside of work. He is both the founder and Chair of the Société Générale LGBT Network and has presented to school children on the topic of homophobic bullying and the importance of language both in 2013 and 2014. Additionally in 2013, he won ‘Diversity Champion of the Year’ at the Out in the City & G3 readers awards and he ranked #42 in the Guardian’s World Power List 2014.

Susie holds a Managing Director position in the Americas Financing Group division of Goldman Sachs. She was named MD in 2001, partner in 2006 and currently holds the title Head of Investment Grade Capital Markets/Syndicate and Liability Management. She is also an advisor to the firm-wide LGBT network at Goldman Sachs and has participated in the Out on the Street conference.

Michael reports directly to the Group CEO of The Economist Group and is a member of the Group Management Team, placing him within the top 0.8% of the organisation. Since joining The Economist Group in 2006, Michael has been completely and continually open about his sexuality with all staff members, both those more junior and those more senior.  Michael has also been a regular participant in diverse leaders networking events in London, meeting with and discussing LGBT issues with senior management from across a range of industries, helping organisations to confront and address LGBT issues. Additionally, he regularly mentors young, diverse team members in various offices and helps them work through any issues they may have about their sexuality and how it may impact their careers.

As Head of Global Public Affairs at KKR he is one of 57 members (the KKR term for Partner) as well as being Chairman of the Private Equity and Growth Capital Council. He is completely open inside and out of work, he serves on the Out Leadership board, worked on the successful Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and has consistently been a public advocate for marriage equality and other gay rights issues, including counselling President Obama as he considered his own position on marriage equality.

As CBI Deputy Director-General and Chief Operating Officer Neil sits on the CBI Board and the Executive Committee, as well as representing CBI at the most senior levels to government, internationally and in the media. He is the first out gay man at that seniority in the CBI’s history. He is sponsoring a new CBI LGBT network and coaches younger, gay colleagues. He was included in the Guardian’s global LGBT top 100 in 2012 and 2013 and in January 2012 was elected as Deputy Chair of the Stonewall Board of Trustees.

After more than 20 years as Chief Investment Officer at Quantitative Management Associated (QMA) Margaret has now stepped down and currently holds the title of Senior Advisor – a position of her own design. Margaret transitioned from male to female in 2002 and is actively involved in supporting transgender employment rights, and has also supported transgender individuals by providing expert testimony and via academic scholarships. Additionally she has been the recipient of numerous recognitions including the NGLCC Courage in Business Award.

As the HR Director for the new Financial Conduct Authority. Jacqueline is accountable for building the capability and effectiveness of the City's newest watchdog and its 3000 employees, who regulate the UK's financial markets and industry. She has made a conscious choice to be out from the beginning of her career 20 years ago and operates on the principle of ‘be the change you want to see’. She currently sits on the FCA's Diversity and wider Operations Committees and attends the FCA RemCo. She has been the Executive Sponsor for the LGBT network during her time at Lloyds Banking Group and Barclays. She has been a Stonewall trustee for ten years and was Chair of the Stonewall Board from October 2012-May 2014. In 2010 Jacqueline published the Truth About Talent which advises leaders on how to future proof their businesses with diversity.

As China Managing Partner, Justin is responsible for the Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai offices. He founded the firm’s LGBT network in the London office in 2007, and helped to shape their LGBT programmes. On moving to the Hong Kong office, Justin then established the network for Asia and supported the launch of the Australian LGBT network. Additionally, Justin is the Asia representative in the recently formed Global D&I Council.

Daniel is equity partner, a US securities lawyer and the head of the International Capital Markets group at CMS Cameron McKenna. Concurrently he also is the Diversity & Inclusion Partner and regularly meets with all the diversity networks in the firm. Daniel has played an active role within CMS, supporting its LGBT network through internal social gatherings as well as implementing support structures that involve protection against bullying/harassment and regularly reporting to management about the development of diversity policies. Daniel is also a Stonewall Ambassador, the founder of InterLaw Diversity Forum, has launched Apollo Project, and most recently embarked upon the Purple Reign initiative, a photographic project that highlights LGBT role models in different industries.

Scott is CEO of Camco Clean Energy plc, Executive Chairman of REDT a new renewable energy storage technology, and he holds non-executive director roles for International Emission Trading Association and Cenergi. As a CEO of a public company Scott actively promotes diversity and is out to all of his staff, investors and advisors globally, including offices in many emerging markets where LGBT role models don’t exist (for example they have 6 offices in Africa, including Uganda and Kenya). He recently set up the Clerkenwell professional gay club and actively supports Albert Kennedy Trust, Ben Cohen foundation and Terrance Higgins Trust.

Previously Global Head of Diversity at Barclays, Mark is now EMEA Head of Diversity at Google. He is a board member of the Kaleidoscope Trust, a long-time member and supporter of Stonewall, and in 2010 he established the Inclusive Foundation aiming to ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds can realise their full potential. Additionally during his 8 years as a Governor of the Museum of London he was instrumental in ensuring that the history of London's LGBT community is reflected in the museum's exhibitions.

Matthew is on the Board of the Services Division of Balfour Beatty, reporting to the Divisional CEO, directly managing 12 people. As a director he has responsibility for 8,000 employees across the Division. Matthew chairs LGBT at Balfour Beatty, which he launched in 2013, and which by 2014 went Group-wide. In 2014 He convinced Balfour Beatty to join Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme. He has personally coached a trans employee, who will come to work as herself in October. Additionally, in September, Matthew organised the network’s first external event with Lord Browne of Madingley and launched a diversity Code of Practice for the Infrastructure Sector.”

Previously CEO of DEPFA ACS BANK, Julia is now a Managing Director running four Debt Capital Markets businesses across EMEA. She has been an MD for over a decade and has been openly gay in the City since 1999. Julia often represents BofAML at various LGBT events and currently acts as co-chair of the firm’s LGBT Group which spearheaded the development of the Global Ally Programme that now has over 2,300 participants.

With more than 27 years’ experience at Knight Frank, Emma is currently Property Partner and Head of National Offices. She is completely open, both inside and outside of work. She frequently utilises social media to tackle LGBT issues, and is very passionate about creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all at Knight Frank. She is also nominated for the G3 ‘LGBT Diversity Champion of the Year’ award at the Out & G3 Awards 2014.

As Global Head of Communications Tim is responsible for all corporate and business communications by the company, and is an adviser to the executive management group and other top management. He is a visible LGBT role model and plays an active role in its network and furthering LGBT issues internally and externally. He provides regular advice to the bank’s Diversity & Inclusion team, and is an advocate for the LGBT agenda with its senior executives. He is also a supporter of Stonewall and the Albert Kennedy Trust.

Harry is Chief Executive, championing architecture and the RIBA’s 40,000 members around the world. He has hosted LGBT events at the RIBA, including  Freehold -  bringing together LGBT people from across the construction industry. The RIBA’s staff survey shows that 93% of staff feel that ‘people are treated fairly regardless of their sexual orientation’; an increase of 1% from the previous year. His primary focus in recent years has been inside the workplace, however, in previous years he chaired JAT – originally the Jewish Aids Trust – that provided sexual health information and campaigning within the Jewish community. He was also an active campaigner for equal marriage.

Darren is part of EDF Energy’s Strategy and Corporate Affairs division. He supports the CEO and Executive Team on sustainability and responsible business practice, and voluntarily on LGBT issues as part of the Chief People Officer’s D&I Action Group. He chairs EDF Energy’s LGBT Supporters Network, created LGBT e-news, published an employee LGBT supporters role models guide, and recently hosted an LGBT health and wellbeing event. Darren is working with EDF Energy’s employee D&I Networks to launch Stonewall’s NoBystanders anti-bullying campaign across the company. He is active with Stonewall on the 2014 Youth Talent Programme and as a schools LGBT speaker. He volunteers as part of the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management’s new Diversity Working Group.

Svetlana is a Vice-President, and a global head of function. She has a team of 16 people in Paris and New York and works across all levels of organisation, from junior managers to board directors. Svetlana was open from day one to everyone in the organisation, even asking about HR about attitude to LGBT employees during her job interview. She was interviewed by Financial Times “Strategies for same-sex postings” as a case study. She also supports a Russian on-line community ‘Children 404’ by publishing her life story to show a positive role model/example, as well as  supporting/mentoring a few young LGBT people. Svetlana has supported quite a few appeals on gay rights, globally (UN) and locally (UK, Africa).