2022 Top 100 Executives

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Ken Ohashi

CEO

Brooks Brothers

Ken is the first minority and openly gay CEO Brooks Brothers has had in its 200-year-old history as the oldest fashion retailer in the United States. Ken has overseen Brooks Brothers’ highly publicized acquisition and has transformed and repositioned the company to profitability in less than two years. An advocate for equity and the right to education, the company has a partnership with BRAVEN - an organization that helps first-generation and underrepresented students gain college readiness skills and land a solid first job. Brooks Brothers participates in study groups, mentoring, and funding new clothing for students. Brooks Brothers supports GLSEN, an organization that ensures that LGBTQ+ students can learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment. Ken is also a member of YPO, a worldwide organization for CEOs under 45, and is a member of the LGBTQA CEO network. Ken also works closely with the Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that provides national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide prevention service for LGBTQ youth and Family Equality Council, a non-profit organization that aims to advance legal and lived equality for LGBTQ+ families. Ken lives in New York with his husband and two children.

Julia Hoggett

CEO

London Stock Exchange plc

Julia became CEO of LSE plc in April 2021, becoming the first openly gay person to hold the role. Over the past 18 months, she has supported the group's commitment to creating a work culture that fosters inclusion and belonging. Julia has actively participated in events with employee networks, including LSEG's Pride Network and Women Inspired Network, and in November 2021, hosted a Market Close ceremony to launch Trans Awareness Week with Trans in the City. During the Market Close to launch Lesbian Visibility Week with DIVA Magazine in April 2022, Julia participated in a panel with Stonewall to discuss themes such as managing identity and bias-based behaviors. In Pride Month 2022, Julia participated in an interview with the CFA UK D&I committee to discuss D&I in financial services and her own experiences with Pride Month. In addition, Julia is an active speaker for LGBT+ networks, most recently speaking at Deutsche Bank for their LGBTQ+ network in New York.

Masa Yanagisawa

Managing Director, Head of Japan Prime Services

Goldman Sachs

As chief operating officer (COO) of the firm’s Asia Pacific LGBTQ+ Network, Masa has been driving LGBTQ+ inclusion both within Goldman Sachs, as well as externally. In 2022, Masa was instrumental in securing corporate sponsorships for LGBTQ+ events in Japan, including the Tokyo Pride Parade and 30th Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Movie Festival. In addition, he advocated for intersectionality and provided strategic advice on the firm's global self-identification campaign across diverse groups. Since 2021, he has worked with office network leads across eight APAC locations in key initiatives: Pride Month and Pink Friday, which engages internal and external workplaces to wear pink t-shirts to promote LGBTQ+ awareness. Masa is an active member of NGOs to promote LGBTQ+ rights, including being a Board member of multiple groups such as 'Marriage for All Japan.' He has also spoken at events for Japan's ruling parties (LDP and Komeito) on LGBTQ+ workplace topics to support legislative efforts on LGBTQ+ equality. He published two articles in Nikkei Asia: 'How Japan Inc. can do even more to boost LGBTQ+ inclusivity' and 'It is time for Japan to say "I do" to marriage equality.

Sander van ‘t Noordende

CEO and Chair of the Executive Board

Randstad NV

As one of the only openly gay CEOs on the Fortune 500, promoting LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion is an important aspect of Sander’s role. As CEO, Sander sponsors Randstad NV's Pride Business Resource Group (BRG), which welcomes colleagues worldwide and creates a safe and inclusive environment for open conversations. In the past year, he has participated in several global events, championing the importance of DEI&B in the workplace. The World Economic Forum in Davos was one of the highlights, with discussions about inclusion and LGBTQ+ rights taking center stage at the summit. He also participated in the 'Driving LGBTQI+ Resilience through Equity' panel, hosted by GLAAD, and a CNBC interview on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Jan Siegmund

Chief Financial Officer

Cognizant

Since his first day at Cognizant, Jan has driven D&I efforts, particularly those focused on the LGBTQ+ community, and is now Executive Sponsor for the Embrace affinity group, the second largest affinity group at Cognizant. Embrace works to build an environment where all can reach their full potential, focusing on the LGBTQ+ community. Jan developed a Global Leadership Council and implemented a systematic plan to expand Embrace activities in India. He also served as a Board Director of The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, and a Founding financial sponsor for the RiseOut Activist-in-Residence fellowship program at the center. The program sponsors two Black LGBTQ+ New Yorkers each year who are working on projects addressing discrimination issues for the Black LGBTQ+ community in the New York City area.

Moriaki Kida

EY Japan Chairperson & CEO, EY Japan Regional Managing Partner

EY Japan

As Chairperson and CEO of EY Japan, Moriaki Kida has led discussions on progressing LGBT+ inclusiveness globally, resulting in human resource policy transformations across EY and empowering future leaders across EY's large footprint. Mori is the Global Unity Sponsor and played an active role in forming the EY global LGBT+ strategy. With his guidance, the Unity network hosted a 24-hour global event for IDAHOTB 2021. This event saw EY Asia-Pacific Regional Leaders, and the Japan leadership team, declare their support for the LGBT+ community as allies. Mori co-signed the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusiveness Statement as part of Asia-Pacific Area Operating Executive, to demonstrate EY’s collective commitment to foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in Asia-Pacific. Aided by Mori’ s vision, EY Japan pledged support for Business for Marriage Equality as well as the LGBT+ Equality Act (Anti-Discrimination) Campaign. Mori is a known voice for LGBT+ legal rights even outside of EY.

Suresh Raj

Global Chief Growth Officer

Virtue (VICE Media Group)

Suresh sits on the Global Management Team and directly engages leadership on addressing and tackling all matters of DE&I. As an Exec Sponsor on DE&I matters, Suresh provides senior counsel on DE&I matters covering Virtue employees globally and this includes promoting and celebrating global LGBT+ visibility throughout the year within the workforce and leadership, beyond Pride months. Collaborating closely with the talent teams to ensure focus on building a pipeline of diverse candidates including representation from LGBT+ individuals at all levels, from internships to senior leadership. Previous achievements include creating and curating a C-Suite level dinner series focused on 'Purpose' including LGBT+ issues, bringing together 13 world leading brands across finance, technology and healthcare which resulted in the founding of The Collective, a LGBT+ initiative. He is an advisory board member for Ruebik, DealEngine, Gay Times and Oliver Wyman - all of whom are focused on changing the landscape and success for minority communities including LGBT+.

Julie Harris

Chief Administrative Officer & Global Head of Operations, Asset & Wealth Management

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Since 2017, Julie has been a member of J.P. Morgan's firmwide LGBT+ Executive Council, bringing senior leaders together to accelerate the firm's progress through intentional, coordinated efforts for LGBTQ+ employees. In 2021 she became the AWM LGBT+ Network's Executive Sponsor and launched the AWM LGBT+ affinity group. A recent profile by amNY and Politics NY honoring 'Power Women' featured her dedication to the LGBTQ+ community internally and externally, her thoughts on gender parity, support for women, and more. In addition, she has cycled raising funds and awareness to end HIV and AIDS, hosted a fireside chat on behalf of the Asset & Wealth Management LGBT+ Network, with a focus on fostering inclusive families, and was a board member and President of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center.

Louis A. Vega

President, North America; Vice President, Government Affairs and Advocacy

Dow

Louis' holistic approach to inclusion and diversity in the workplace is best illustrated through his involvement with Dow's employee resource group for LGBT+ and ally employees, GLAD. As the group's global advisor, he has worked with chapters globally to promote a more inclusive workplace and community for all employees. Louis is a member of Dow's President's Inclusion Council, sponsors and leads Dow’s Social Justice Council, and serves as a member of The Company’s Operations Team. A leader and pivotal voice on business strategy, people development, and growth matters for Dow around the globe, Louis brings his passion for inclusion to all his discussions and involvements — from engagements with government and industry leaders to serving on the board of directors for multiple civil society groups. In addition, through his service on the boards of numerous other inclusion-focused organizations, he leverages his relationships within the business community and shares his strategic business counsel to promote a more equal world for all.

Cindy Noble

Chief People Officer

Compass Group

As the Chief People Officer of the tenth-largest company in the country, Cindy is a champion for D&I, fostering an environment where associates feel seen, heard, and respected, and where they feel empowered to show up as their authentic selves. Under her leadership, Compass Group launched its first-ever D&I survey, established initiatives confronting unintentional biases, and implemented training centered around “Why Pronouns Matter,” which speaks to LGBT+ inclusivity. In addition, pre-COVID, Cindy expanded Compass’ Pride Celebration from a single day to four days in four states to reach more associates and the communities we serve. Cindy's passion and commitment to diversity is reflected in Compass Group USA's consistent acknowledgement by outside organizations, including being named a Forbes Best Employer for Diversity four years in a row. Also, her service on external boards and committees, including Charlotte Center City, American Heart Association, and Jose Andres World Central Kitchen, focus on D&I issues.

Jo Rzymowska

Vice President & Managing Director, EMEA

Celebrity Cruises

Jo Rzymowska has actively championed LGBTQ+ rights and experiences throughout her career in travel. Since she started her dedicated role at Celebrity Cruises, the brand has become known for proactively setting itself apart as the industry leader in LGBTQ+ friendly travel and continuing to speak up for an industry that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Focused on creating an environment where diversity is celebrated both internally as well as on board Celebrity Cruises’ ships, Jo has championed inclusivity at all levels of the business. Jo guides and contributes to the Anchored in Pride ERG as Executive Sponsor for members and allies, is a key advocate for the Pride at Sea programme on board Celebrity’s ships, and implements better tools and training for employees and agents to sell holidays to LGBTQ+ travellers. Driven by a desire to promote inclusivity across the industry, Jo is a founding member and supporter of TTG's LGBT programme, launched and drives the pioneering All Inclusive Photo Project, and mentors younger LGBTQ+ professionals forging their careers in travel. Jo has been named LGBT+ Trailblazer of the Year at the 2021 TTG Travel Awards and the Top 10 LGBT people at the 2017 British LGBT Awards.

Kipp Jarecke-Cheng

Chief Communications Officer

Publicis Health

A self-identified diversity triple threat (queer, immigrant, person of color), Kipp champions LGBTQ+ visibility across Publicis Health, where he serves as Chief Communications Officer and volunteers with a variety of internal business resource groups, including Égalité, Pan-Asian Alliance, and Publicis Parents. In 2022, Kipp was named among PR Week’s Pride in PR Leaders and The Propel 100’s Most Influential Health Communications Professionals in the World. Kipp has shared intersectional LGBTQ+ stories across Publicis through a variety of programs, including interviews and fireside chats with drag superstar Peppermint, trans dad Aydian Dowling, novelist Darnell L. Moore, and New York Times food writer Eric Kim. He was previously nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for Excellence in Journalism for a series about being transgender in the workplace for DiversityInc; was invited by then-Vice President Joe Biden to speak about queer fatherhood at the White House; and has been featured with his family in campaigns for Human Rights Campaign and Dove Men+Care. He is co-editor for SAGE Encyclopedia’s LGBTQ business section and a freelance writer for Tiny Beans, What to Expect, and Baby Center, where he has written about queer parenting, LGBTQ+ adoption, raising a transgender child, and other LGBTQ+ issues.

Emily Hamilton

Vice President - Strategic Change

RS Group PLC

Emily provided internal leadership in intersectional support of LGBTQ+ people through the internal ERGs for Women and LGBTQ+ people, continuing to advocate for universal health coverage, recognition of support for LGBTQ+ relationships and lived experiences at work. As a director of the Business Inclusion organization, Trans in the City, Emily has delivered inclusion talks to many hundreds of people across the UK and Europe, and supported many organizations in the development of transition and dignity at work policies, as well as personal mentoring of senior executives undertaking transition. She founded and chairs the first LGBTQ+ Rugby supporter’s association in the professional game, QuinsPride, and has spoken with the leaders of the game in England and beyond to promote inclusion of Trans and LGBQ+ players, fans and staff across the sport. In addition Emily volunteers to reduce and prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying in schools as a volunteer with Diversity Role Models. Emily was honored as a ‘top 10’ at the British LGBT Awards 2022, the recipient of an award for work in promoting LGBTQ+ Mental Health with the ‘This Can Happen’ organization and has provided keynote and panel contributions to a number of UK LGBTQ+ organizations.

Robyn Grew

President

Man Group

Robyn chairs the steering committee for Drive (Man Group’s global DEI network) and has general oversight and responsibility for DEI at the firm. She is the senior sponsor of Man Group’s LGBT+ network, Pride@Man, responsible for guiding its initiatives and leading its celebrations. In 2022, she spearheaded the inclusion of gender pronouns across WorkDay, Slack and email signatures at Man Group, enabling every employee to select the pronouns that work for them and to do so knowing we support and respect that choice. Robyn is a member of several industry groups, including the Diversity Project (Advisory Board member) and the AIMA council, where she is chair of the AIMA DE&I Inclusion Working Group. She speaks publicly on the topics of DEI and the importance of being an ally, and this includes at events hosted by Pride@Man, at industry conferences, and in the media. Robyn’s commitment to DEI has been recognised through notable industry recognition and awards lists, such as Investment Week, Financial News and LGBT Great.

David Furnish

CEO

Rocket Entertainment Group

David leads Rocket Entertainment Group with a strong emphasis on both inclusion and diversity across internal policies and external projects. As the Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, he launched a COVID-19 Emergency Fund to support marginalized LGBT+ and other vulnerable communities during the pandemic to pivot to new models of HIV care. The Emergency Fund has given out over $2 million in grants all over the world including 22,000 kits of PPE distributed, 8500 people received emergency food packages, 200 people newly diagnosed with HIV, over 4000 people living with HIV receiving home delivery of their medication, and over 1 million text messages sent with sexual health information, COVID-19 prevention amongst other outcomes. In 2020, David won the British LGBT Global Impact Award with Elton John for their achievements with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to help the LGBT+ community during COVID-19.

Maggie Lower

Chief Marketing Officer

Hootsuite

Maggie Lower is a business leader who combines the art and science of marketing to drive exceptional results for global brands. As Hootsuite’s CMO, Lower has made a commitment to fostering a collaborative marketing approach, building innovative go-to-market models and leveraging transformational opportunities to create impactful experiences, increase sales pipelines and deliver services more efficiently. She is laser focused on identifying the best opportunities to transform Hootsuite’s digital, brand marketing, innovation and communications strategies to support the industry-leading social media management platform. This year, Lower was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors at Grindr, the largest LGBTQIA+ social networking app. She is also a Senior Board Advisor at Scoperta, Simon Data and DealEngine. Lower has won multiple awards as an LGBTQIA+ advocate including AdWeek’s 2022 Pride Stars Award and INvolve’s OUTstanding Role Model List four years in a row. She has also presented keynote speaking sessions in global conferences like SXSW, AdWorld, WebSummit, and Social Media Week. As a member of the Peer 150 Marketing Advisory Board, Lower has had the privilege of serving as an executive mentor for The US Marketing Academy to help develop and nurture top talent within the marketing, advertising, and communications industries.

George Cheeks

President and CEO, CBS; Chief Content Officer, News and Sports, Paramount+

CBS

As CEO of CBS, George has consistently driven the inclusion agenda and ensured its place as a central value across the organization. He is committed to increasing the meaningful representation and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community at the company and in its programming and content. George has put benchmarks in place to ensure the writers' rooms, the casting and even the marketing efforts represent a wide range of perspectives. Throughout his career, George has been nominated for and received awards such as the T. Howard Foundation Corporate Leadership Award, UJA's Content Leadership Award for professional and philanthropic leadership and Rosie's (O'Donnell) Theater Kids "Passing It On" Award.

John McNain

Head, Personal Banking Products and Experience

BMO Financial Group (BMO)

John has been a leader in diversity and inclusion, within student and employee resources groups, for over 20 years. He currently serves as a Director of Rainbow Railroad, a global not-for-profit organization that helps and moves people facing persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or self-expression to find safety through emergency relocation and other forms of assistance. In 2022, John enabled the BMO Rainbow Deposit Initiative which brought BMO and Rainbow Railroad together to partner in a social media campaign to raise awareness and $50,000 in funds for Rainbow Railroad. John is one of BMO's most senior out members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and is a champion for equity, driving an inclusive society. He is an active role model, both within BMO and across the community, ensuring an equitable, visible and vocal representation. He has been featured in BMO 2SLGBTQ+ recruiting, allyship, and Pride videos, he hosts career sessions to discuss his journey as an out leader, he advocates for the importance of out allies, and he provides mentorship to 2SLGBTQ+ employees including those looking to start a family.

Iris Farley

Vice President, Talent

Komatsu

Iris leads her company’s talent strategy, including Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and is focused on ensuring that Komatsu is an inclusive workplace for all, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Iris serves as the Executive Sponsor of the Komatsu Global Women's Network, advocating for inclusion of all gender identities in the group's mission and programming. She is a trained Gender Transition Leader for Komatsu, working with other transgender employees to ensure that they have the resources and support that they need to successfully transition at work. In 2022, she facilitated learning on gender diversity and LGBTQIA+ inclusion for over 200 employees, and has adapted that training to e-learning for use across the enterprise. She is also active in the development of Komatsu’s global Diversity and Inclusion strategy, and has been a primary contributor to the script for an educational video on LGBTQIA+ inclusion. Outside of work, Iris serves as the Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (IDEA) for the Northeast Illinois Council of the Boy Scouts of America. She is also an active supporter of organizations that advocate for LGBTQIA+ friendly legislation, and for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in her faith community.

Christian Angermayer

Founder

Apeiron Investment Group

Christian Angermayer is a serial entrepreneur and investor who builds and invests in companies that are shaping the Next Human Agenda: a future in which technology empowers people to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. His family office and private investment firm, Apeiron Investment Group, has more than USD 3 billion under management and focuses on Life Sciences, FinTech & Crypto, Future Tech and Experiences, Hospitality & Happiness. Christian is widely recognized as the leader of the current psychedelics renaissance and bringing them into the medical world to help treat a range of mental health issues. He co-founded the Aurora Institute, the first non-profit incubator of its kind, focused on funding the world’s leading individuals and NGOs dedicated to solving the global mental health crisis. He has also been the executive producer or producer of 26 feature films, as well as numerous theatre productions. As one of the world's leading LGBTQ+ investors and entrepreneurs, Christian uses his position to set a powerful example of potential for the community. He is outspoken on his views on inclusion and actively creates opportunities for all in his quest for a happier future for everyone.

Matthias Weber

Chief Sales Officer

PB Versicherung AG (HDI Group)

Matthias is Chief Sales Officer of PB Versicherungen at HDI Group Germany and is a member and supporter of Pride@HDI. As board member he takes responsibility for diversity and inclusion, for promoting the LGBTQ+ network and is a visible LGBTQ+ role model. In his former job he was co-founder and co-chairman of pbPride, the LGBTQ+ employee network of Postbank (Deutsche Bank Group). Matthias is a mentor for young LGBTQ+ talents and is both the co-founder and president of the European Pride Business Network, an umbrella organisation for European LGBTQ+ professionals. Matthias was president of the European Gay Managers Association and Germany´s biggest gay professional association Völklinger Kreis. Here, he chairs and hosts the oldest German LGBTQ+ diversity awards.

Layla McCay

Director of Policy

NHS Confederation

As Director of Policy at the NHS Confederation, Layla champions authentic leadership and has brought LGBTQ+ inclusion into all aspects of her work. She is executive lead of the NHS Confederation’s Health and Care LGBTQ+ Leaders Network where she drives national advocacy to improve inclusive leadership and policies, promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and leadership across the NHS. Layla was instrumental in creating a representative response from LGBTQ+ leaders and mental health professionals on banning conversion therapy. She role models visible diversity, writing, chairing and speaking on public platforms, including panel discussions at national conferences. Within the NHS Confederation, Layla founded and is executive sponsor for the LGBTQ+ staff group which has delivered better LGBTQ+ visibility, allyship and belonging through meetings, all-staff discussions, policies, and organisation-wide blogs and videos. LGBTQ+ board members and staff are increasing, and LGBTQ+ staff are now the most engaged in the organisation. In her voluntary role as Director of the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health, she advocates for LGBTQ+ inclusion in urban planning and design, including via blogs, interviews, and inclusion in her recent book, Restorative Cities: Urban Design for Mental Health and Wellbeing. Layla’s upcoming book is about LGBTQ+ people in the workplace.

Randeep Sidhu

Chief Product Officer

Reliance Health

Randeep is a Healthcare and AI specialist. He is currently working with Reliance Health on delivering healthcare across emerging markets like Nigeria and Egypt. Randeep is also a Trustee at Terrence Higgins Trust, where he advocated for making PREP free for all on the NHS, and including the needs of Asian, Black and Trans communities in sexual health services. This is alongside being a board member at LVNDR Health, a health-tech company giving LGBTQ+ people equal access to healthcare. In July 2020, during Covid, Randeep joined the NHS frontline into build and run the NHS COVID-19 app, pioneering specific research to include the needs of LGBT+, refugees and BAME communities. Previously Randeep has worked with Babylon Health, where he chaired the LGBT+ group and worked on removing biases to make their AI fully representative of LGBT+ people. At Babylon he also undertook research on increasing access to HIV medication for poor, LGBT+ and sex worker communities in East Africa. He also previously advised The Alan Turing Institute (the UK’s National Institute for AI) on removing bias in AI and technology for marginalized groups.

TJ Lim

Managing Director, Head of Client Digital Strategy & Platforms

JP Morgan

At J.P. Morgan, TJ has been a leader within his division and across the firm in fostering LGBTQ+ representation and belonging. He was the interim co-chair of the divisional LGBT+ Network, where he led the group’s marquee Pride event – a fireside chat to discuss fostering affirming families. He also spearheaded a “virtual Pride march” for leaders to showcase their support. Across the firm, TJ mentors LGBTQ+ employees globally and supports recruiting efforts. Under his leadership, the firm continues to host LGBTQ+ pre-MBAs to learn more about a career in finance and at J.P. Morgan. TJ is a very public supporter of DE&I and has presented at the firm’s analyst and associate trainings. Additionally, TJ was chosen by his alma mater, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss inclusivity & diversity to the incoming class of MBAs. He has also presented at Binghamton University and mentors students there. TJ was also asked to speak at a panel to kick-off Advertising Week in New York. He sits on the board of ReachingOutMBA (ROMBA), an LGBT nonprofit. TJ also discusses LGBTQ+ topics and intersectionality in his capacity as a member of the Tech Council of Asia Society.

Luiz Felipe Centeno Ferraz

Partner of the Tax practice

Mattos Filho

Luiz is one of the sponsors of Mfriendly, Mattos Filho's LGBTQIAPN+ employee resource group, which strives to create an inclusive workplace for all. Since it was created in São Paulo, Luiz has led these efforts across Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, and Campinas, promoting greater coverage for LGBTQIAPN+ inclusion within the firm's Brazilian offices. As a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, he is also responsible for overseeing the program's strategy as well as promoting the benefits of intersectionality across the business. Externally, Luiz participates in events, represents Mfriendly across Brazil, and uses his platform and influence on effective change across the industry. Due to his commitment to leading LGBTQIAPN+ inclusion in the workplace, Luiz Felipe is a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Board of the Thomson Reuters Institute.

James Bond

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal & Governance Officer

The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

James is one of the most senior out gay leaders in Canada’s financial services sector, and has been out in the workplace and engaged in LGBTQ+ organizations for his entire professional career. Currently, he is the Executive Sponsor of the Pride@Wawanesa ERG, supporting through mentorship the group's founders, and speaking at inaugural meetings as chapters were formed across the country. He has supported Pride events at Wawanesa and across the insurance industry broadly by delivering a podcast, being featured in a magazine article on industry support of the LGBTQ+ community, and serving as a panelist for an LGBTQ+ panel on the 'Voices of Inclusion' series on diversity in the Canadian insurance sector. On Wawanesa’s Executive Committee, James advocated for creating a diversity and inclusion team and has led initiatives to highlight LGBTQ+ and other diversity issues within his teams. He also serves as a mentor to LGBTQ+ law students through the Canadian Bar Association, where he previously served as a director. As the incoming Chair of the Insurance Bureau of Canada's Regulation Standing Committee, he’s leading a call to include the LGBTQ+ community as a recognized group for diversity disclosures by Canadian companies.

Chloë Davies

Head of Social Impact

Lucky Generals

Chloe Davies has been campaigning for LGBT+ inclusion and equality in social spaces, corporate organisations and the wider community throughout her career. Her personal journey continues to inspire and motivate her to be a force for change, not only within Advertising but beyond. As Head of Social Impact for Lucky Generals, Chloe is Lead for Marching Forward and is focused on building a sustainable, diverse and inclusive company culture and output. Chloe volunteers with UK Black Pride (UKBP) as the Head of Finance & Governance, working closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Trustees to help shape the future of UK Black Pride. Additionally, Chloe is a Director for the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre, Head of Relations for the London Queer Fashion Show and was a shortlisted finalist for Positive Role Model of the Year (LGBT+) at the National Diversity Awards in 2021. Chloe is an avid public speaker, she aims to further connect those within the LGBT+ community while educating allies to continue disrupting and push for increased visibility, understanding and appreciation of the communities she works to serve, she recognizes the importance and need of LGBT+ Role Models in business to inspire others to take action.

Elliot Vaughn

MD & Senior Partner - People Chair for Europe, Middle East, South America & Africa

BCG

As leader of Pride@BGC, Elliot grew the network more than 20% per year including in challenging locations, established a group for Trans/Non-Binary colleagues, established BCG’s first global Pride manager and oversaw LGBTQ+ friendly benefits changes in key geographies. He led the team that wrote the ground-breaking research study ‘Out@Work’, on the experience of coming out in 19 countries, and is currently working on new research ‘Trans@Work’ to be published in coming months, which documents the experience of Trans/Non-Binary individuals in the workplace around the world. Elliot is the Founder and Chair of Trustees of GiveOut, an award-winning international LGBTQ+ community foundation enabling donors to give in one place to support LGBTQ+ activism worldwide. Elliot was recognized by Prime Minister Theresa May with a Points of Light Award for founding GiveOut. He is also a Board Director of Outright International, the leading global NGO focused on LGBTQ+ human rights. As People Chair for BCG’s largest and most geographically diverse region, Elliot is the most senior out leader in the history of the firm to date.

Nigell Todd

Head of Global Foreign Exchange Trading

Fidelity International

Nigell has previously led the Dublin Diversity & Inclusion network which seeks to promote and implement company D&I initiatives with a focus on cultural/ ethnicity, gender, LGBT+ and disability. He is an active participant and supports the annual Pride event but also other LGBT+ events during the year which also includes fundraising opportunities for LGBT+ charities in Ireland. He continues to be an internal/ external mentor to those who identify as LGBT+ in the financial services industry and has been recognised as an LGBT Project 1000 Role Model.

Eugenio Pirri

Chief Operations and Culture Executive - Global Diversity Champion

Dorchester Collection

Eugenio and his team lead all efforts across their entire business in all aspects of Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging. He created and launched all Dorchester Collection policies and procedures and ensure they are fully in place across all parts of the business, ensuring all locations lead through their global approach of Education, Communication and Celebration; monitoring and tracking efforts accordingly. He acts both as internal and external role model and spokesperson promoting all protected statuses equally throughout the business. Eugenio is an ardent advocate for ‘belonging’ across every aspect of operations and has pioneered several initiatives including their award winning ‘We Care’ philosophy: the right of every employee to feel safe and always respected. He has introduced coaching, mentoring and diversity celebrations to showcase the truly inclusive environment of Dorchester Collection. He also conducts Diversity and Inclusion workshops within, working with hotels to support local charities to advance the message of inclusivity.

Vishal Desai

Chief Risk Officer

MS Amlin

Vishal is an ExCo Sponsor for the LGBTQ+ network at MS Amlin. Through fireside chat events, he helped to build an understanding of the needs and concerns of the LGBTQ+ community and has influenced LGBTQ+ inclusion at work. His actions have initiated work to a refresh all policies to ensure they are LGBTQ+ inclusive going forward and helped to develop a new trans-at-work policy. Additionally, Vishal sponsored a market-wide initiative to foster LGBTQ+ inclusion, support emerging LGBTQ+ artists, and raise funds for charities via a yearly partnership with Artiq. He was also appointed to Advisory Board at Link LGBTQ+ network to champion work on LGBTQ+ inclusion in the insurance sector and the wider community. Finally, Vishal participates in a mentorship program for LGBTQ+ individuals, including as a Lloyd's of London market-nominated LGBTQ+ executive mentor.

Wesley Bizzell

Senior Assistant General Counsel

Altria

Wesley is a co-founder of Altria’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group and currently serves as its vice chair. He has led numerous efforts that convinced Altria to make consequential changes to its policies and practices to ensure it is more welcoming for LGBT+ employees, including expanding adoption benefits, extending surrogacy and fertility benefits to cover same-sex couples, and launching a voluntary self-ID program for LGBTQ employees. He also has worked to highlight the diversity of the LGBT+ community, bringing to Altria speakers who challenge stereotypes and empowering employees to have conversations about difference. Through his efforts and advocacy, Altria has joined companies to oppose legislation targeting trans individuals, has publicly endorsed state and Federal non-discrimination bills, and has encouraged the passage of a federal statute protecting same-sex and interracial marriages. Wesley is a frequent author and speaker on inclusion and diversity within both the corporate and legal communities and has testified before multiple legislatures on the need to ban the LGBTQ+ panic defence. Externally, he serves as the immediate past president for the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association, is a commissioner for the American Bar Association’s Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Commission, and serves on the Advisory Council for the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

Lisa A. Linsky

Partner

McDermott Will & Emery

Lisa is the Founder of McDermott Will & Emery's LGBTQ+ Diversity & Inclusion Committee and first partner-in charge of firmwide diversity. Leading McDermott's annual LGBTQ+ Workplace Awareness program for 16 years, she recently hosted a screening of and panel discussion on the documentary, 'Changing the Game,' which details three transgender high school athletes' challenges. Serving as outside counsel to the Mattachine Society of Washington, DC for more than a decade, she helped alter the way society and government institutions treat LGBTQ+ Americans. Lisa has mentored countless attorneys to advocate for LGBTQ+ civil rights, and in so doing, has demonstrated herself to be an Outstanding Role Model. In 2021, she was appointed to the American Bar Association's Litigation Section's Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Since 2014, Lisa has served as a member of the board of directors for the LGBTQ+ Community Center of NYC and was recently re-elected as a board officer. She was also a member of the LGBTQ+ Rights Committee of the New York City Bar Association for four years and served as a Lambda Legal Board Officer. Lisa has been recognized by numerous professional and community organizations for her commitment to advancing the full civil rights of LGBTQ+ people.

John Elliott

Chief Technology Officer - Colleague & Operations

Sainsbury's

At Sainsbury's, John advises the Operating Board on the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ colleagues and customers. He also led Sainsbury's sponsorship of the 'Sparkle Weekend' event organized by Sparkle, a national trans charity. In addition, he mentors LGBTQ+ talent, and during LGBTQ+ History Month, interviewed Gareth Thomas in a company-wide broadcast as part of Sainsbury's largest-ever history month event. In 2022, Sainsbury's renewed their annual financial support for 'akt,' the LGBT+ youth homeless charity, for the third year. He was a Pride Month keynote speaker at three external events and a main stage speaker at Wembley stadium for 'Diversity & Inclusion in Grocery' in 2021. John established a small non-profit in a personal capacity, '1 Million Trans Allies,' that calls out transphobia, creates safer discussion spaces online, learns from the lived experiences of trans people, and raises the profile of allyship.

Jim Ford

Partner - Co-Head of Global Life Sciences Group

Allen & Overy LLP

Jim is the Chair of the global LGBT+ network; involved in DE&I-focused business development and partner lead for LGBTQ+ aspects of A&O's "All In" initiative – launched in 2021 as a global commitment to becoming more inclusive workplace. He recently led the international A&O team providing pro bono support to REDRESS on its recent report highlighting torture of LGBTQ+ persons across Africa. He is a trustee for the charity Diversity Role Models, as well as being a Stonewall Ambassador. Within A&O, Jim is the partner sponsor for A&O’s annual LGBTQ+ graduate recruitment event, participates in DE&I focused mentoring and reverse-mentoring programmes and has recently contributed to a Board paper on LGBTQ+ business targets. Jim also provides pro bono legal advice to Queer Britain, the UK's first national LGBT+ focused museum, and has co-organized a QueerBritain art exhibition in A&O's London lobby.

Tamara Littleton

CEO

The Social Element

Tamara Littleton is a social media pioneer, crisis expert and LGBTQIA+ champion who has been innovating approaches to social media and agency models over the last twenty years. Tamara founded The Social Element in 2002 and it has grown to become a 250+ people strong and award-winning business with a culturally, ethnically, neuro and gender diverse makeup with an above industry average LGBTQIA+ staff make up. The agency is helping some of the world’s biggest brands including Visa, OREO, Peloton and Dr Pepper make genuine human connections with their customers on social media including LGBTQIA+ centric campaigns. Tamara is also co-founder of Polpeo, a crisis simulation company that helps brands successfully navigate the pitfalls of social media and safeguard their reputations online. Outside of her organisations, Tamara is a passionate volunteer committed to diversity and inclusion. She kickstarted a new industry Pride event with The Drum and mentors up-and-coming female and LGBTQIA+ founders. Tamara, awarded CEO of the year by The Drum in 2020, is a regular LGBTQIA+ spokesperson in the marketing and advertising industry and was inducted into The Marketing Society’s Fellowship in 2021.

Filipe Mota da Silva

Consulting Leader – Energy, Resources and Utilities

TATA Consultancy Services

Filipe founded and Chaired TCS Qolors, the LGBT+ and Ally network since 2017-21 in a time when homosexuality was criminalized in India. He developed the TCS LGBT UKI Development Program to retain/develop LGBT+ employees, and last year registered the lowest attrition rate. He co-developed a mandatory D&I training and influenced and reviewed the change of TCS same sex parental leave, extension on funding for employees in transition and IVF insurance package. He organized and invited more than 15 LGBT+ leaders from different companies to talk about LGBT+ and Allyship in the workplace. He initiated "Pride stories for kids” joining Parents and Kids on a learning exercise about differences, parenthood, and gender expression. And he co-founded the TATA UKI LGBT+ Council to share best practices across TATA Group of companies and celebrate awareness at Pride Virtual Events and bring their 700,000 employees together. He founded Transition Drivers an initiative to encourage 100,000 diverse energy leaders for immediate climate action.

Mark Baker

Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs

Warner Music Group

Mark is a visible and vocal Role Model both within Warner Music Group (WMG) and beyond. He is the Executive Sponsor of Q the Music, WMG’s LGBT+ Employee Resource Group and is the LGBT+ representative on WMG’s global DEI Advisory Committee. His work includes strengthened partnerships with the HRC and the Victory Fund, adopting new gender transition guidelines, leading WMG and the music industry to weigh in against proposed anti-trans legislation in Tennessee and leading WMG’s participation in the HRC Corporate Equality Index. Additionally, has been listed among the top, out LGBT+ Music Executives by Billboard Magazine and is on the Board of the Warner Music Group/Blavanik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund, a $100 million fund established after the killing of George Floyd to support organizations working to promote criminal justice reform, support education particularly in the music industry, and drive narrative change through culture and the arts.

Bradford Pollard

Managing Director, Private Banker

Citi

As a Managing Director and Senior Private Banker at Citi Private Bank, Bradford is uniquely positioned to inspire other LGBTQ+ leaders, especially those in client-facing roles, to live authentically and drive progress. He also serves LGBTQ+ individuals with customized private banking solutions to expand and preserve their wealth legacy. In 2021, Bradford was asked to serve as North America Co-Chair for Citi’s Global Pride Affinity, the first person outside of the company’s NYC headquarters to ever serve in the role. In this position, he oversees 36 co-chairs, 18 business sponsors and 3,500+ employee members of the North America Pride Network chapters. He has been an instrumental figure in instituting Citi’s creation of an LGBTQ+ Leadership Development Program and the implementation of dialogues related to global inclusion. Bradford oversees the company’s North America LGBTQ+ reverse mentoring program with 250+ participants in addition to serving as a senior mentor. He leverages his voice to lead a variety of focus areas, including trans inclusion and legislative matters; most recently, he spear-headed Citi’s global public campaign for 2022 Transgender Day of Visibility. Bradford has fostered community impact on issues ranging from homelessness to educational fulfillment for LGBTQ+ students.

Pips Bunce

Director & Head of Investment Banking Technology Strategic Programs

Credit Suisse

Pips Bunce is Head of Investment Banking Technology Strategic Platforms at Credit Suisse, where she is responsible for driving a range of the firm’s strategic initiatives from regulatory priorities through to the execution of strategic messaging and IT platforms. Prior to joining the bank, she acted as Executive Director at Goldman Sachs and before that was at UBS. She started her career at British Telecom Research. Pips also acts as Co-Chair of the Credit Suisse’s EMEA LGBTQ+ & Ally Network. As a proud member of the Trans community, identifying as gender-fluid and non-binary, Pips champions the progression of LGBTQI+ inclusion and equality, engages senior management and mentors multiple bank leaders on LGBTQI+ inclusion. She is a regular public speaker, panellist and presenter and media contributor, raising awareness of LGBTQI+, Trans and non-binary inclusion. Pips has also presented on LGBTI+ inclusion and Allyship in Parliament, worked with the Government Equalities Office on LGBTQ+ initiatives and is an ambassador of a number of leading organizations and official bodies such as Stonewall, Diversity Role Models and TransInTheCity. Having overcome adversity as a Queer individual, she speaks and leads with sincerity and humility, espousing the impact authenticity and allyship has on the entire LGBTQI+ community.

Tuvia Borok

Managing Director, Global Head of Policy and Documentation for the Global Markets Division

Goldman Sachs

Tuvia is Co-Head of the UK chapter of the EMEA LGBTQ+ Network and Co-Chair of the Steering Group for all Europe, Middle East, and Asia chapters of the firmwide LGBTQ+ Network. In December 2021, he drove a first-of-its-kind HIV testing program on-site at the firm's London Office to recognize World AIDS Day and de-stigmatize HIV. In 2022, he spearheaded the global inclusion of gender pronouns on Goldman Sachs business cards. He also served as firmwide Managing Director Sponsor for the EMEA LGBTQ+ internship program for the 6th consecutive year since driving its launch. In 2022, he spoke to several corporates and boards via TLC Lions on authentic leadership and psychological safety. He sits on the board of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, an international initiative to raise awareness of HIV prevention, and has continued to serve as CEO of the P3 Network supporting LGBTQ+ parents.

Javier Constante

President, Latin America and Brazil

Dow

Javier is keenly aware of the responsibility he has as an influential LGBT+ Executive and uses his position to advocate for others and focuses his attention on challenges faced by the LGBT+ community. Javier is an active member of Dow’s President Inclusion Council and champions D&I as a key part of Dow’s Latin American Strategy. Externally, Javier serves on the board of the Brazilian organization, Forum de Empresas e Direitos LGBT and is currently leading a public policy initiative to ensure a better and more inclusive environment across Brazil.

Eliezer Silveira Filho

CEO / Managing Director

Roost

Eliezer sponsors all the internal groups, including Race, LGBT+, Gender, and generational groups. As CEO, he has supervised many transformation projects, such as developing a new approach for the recruitment and self-identification of LGBTQ+ employees. The company has also developed a full compliance structure for LGBTQ+ security, plus training, articles, and keynotes about this topic. An ERG was also created, focusing on implementing processes to increase LGBTQ+ inclusion in the company. Eliezer has spoken at numerous events on D&I issues, including the Out & Equal Global Summit, the IT Forum, and LiveU, and he regularly lectures on D&I at universities in São Paulo. Externally, he leads dialogues at GAMES, a project to increase access to the job market through mentoring for trans people, inclusive leadership training, and partnerships with companies focused on employability, with an overall goal to enhance the inclusion and belonging of LGBT+ people not only in the corporate market but in society in general.

Erik Day

Senior Vice President, Global Small Business & Pride ERG Executive Chair

Dell Technologies

Erik is the Global Executive Sponsor for Pride, Dell Technologies' ERG for LGBTQIA+ Employees and Allies which has grown to over 7,000 members across more than 20 countries. Erik is also the Chair of the board for Out & Equal Workplace Advocates and was named to the board of The GenderCool Project, a non-profit educating the world on the positive experiences of Trans Youth. To help protect Trans kids, their families and the future of work, Erik and the ERG spent 2021 and 2022 partnering with Government Affairs and Corporate Communications to help stop the onslaught of Anti-LGBTQIA+ bills across the US and the World, including many testimonies in front of the Texas Legislation. Since the pandemic, Erik has led the ERG to be a center of joy for the company helping drive connection in a hybrid work environment from virtual events like Pride’s Got Talent, Lip Synch Battles, and Pride Content to in person events like the 20+ Pride Month events across the world. Erik has participated in over 15 panels, podcasts and speaking engagements this year focused on the importance of Diversity, Allyship and Inclusion to help companies thrive by ensuring their employees can bring their full authentic self to work.

Darren Rickards

Managing Director, Head of Corporate Banking, Central Europe, Middle East & Africa

Bank of America

Darren joined the Bank in 2000. He is a member of the Bank's global LGBTQ+ Leadership Executive Council and is Executive Co-Sponsor of the LGBTQ+ Pride Network in EMEA. He hosts and gives talks at EMEA wide town halls and LGBTQ+ Pride and Ally panel events both internally and externally, including featuring high-profile LGBTQ+ role models like Mohsin Zaidi. He hosted the 'Gender Does Not Fit in a Box' panel with a focus on EMEA and APAC, as well as the 2020 Courageous Conversation for a Global Corporate Banking audience. He initiates and champions conversations and dialogue on LGBTQ+ topics in the offices throughout the Gulf, Israel and Africa where such topics are seldom, if ever, raised. He is a key advocate for the Bank’s junior talent, mentoring junior team members through their own 'coming out' journeys and he coordinated the launch of an internal, widely subscribed to, mentoring programme for young out at work employees. Darren was also appointed as founding member of the Inclusive Business Campaign Advisory Board for the Institute of Directors with a focus on supporting and increasing LGBTQ+ inclusion at Board level for companies across the UK.

Christie Smith

Global Lead, Talent & Organization

Accenture

Christie Smith is the global lead for Talent & Organization at Accenture, a member of Accenture’s Global Management Committee, and an executive sponsor of Accenture's Global Pride Network. She was previously global vice president for inclusion and diversity at Apple. A voice for LGBTQ+ inclusion and an advocate for women in the workplace, she co-authored the 2021 'Better to Belong’ research report focused on creating inclusive work cultures. Christie is a sought-after speaker on leadership, strategy, I&D, people and change, and spoke about the future of work at the 2022 Lesbians Who Tech summit alongside Accenture CEO Julie Sweet. She also wrote the foreword to 2022’s Open for Business City Ratings 2022, an invaluable resource for businesses hoping to use their platform to advance LGBTQ+ equality globally. She is a regular media commentator and has featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, Fortune, Forbes and CNN. She has also won several awards and was recognized by Fast Company's 2021 Queer 50 list. Christie received her doctorate in Clinical Social Work with a focus on industrial and organizational psychology from New York University.

Josh Graff

Managing Director, EMEA & LATAM & VP Global Enterprise

Josh joined LinkedIn - the world’s largest professional network - in 2011, and is now Managing Director for EMEA & LATAM, and VP of LinkedIn’s Marketing Solutions (advertising) business. In his role he is responsible for driving member growth, strategic partnerships and revenue across all lines of business in EMEA and Latin America, and leads the Global Enterprise sales team as they help marketers reach, connect and engage with over 850 million professionals. Before joining LinkedIn, Josh held roles at Electronics Arts (EA) and Microsoft. Prior to that he founded the world’s first in-game advertising agency, JAM International, which was acquired by Massive Inc. Josh is a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace. He has been featured on the Financial Times Top 50 LGBT Leaders list, recognised as an Inspiring Leader at the LGBT Awards, is a founding member of the advocacy group ‘Open For Business’, and was recently a Commissioner on the HIV Commission.

Jay Lin

CEO

Portico Media

As the openly gay CEO of Portico Media, a dynamic Taiwanese media hub specializing in the linear, digital and OTT fronts, Jay has always championed in the idea of giving back to LGBTQ+ community and has spent nearly a decade integrating LGBT+ activism into his company's business strategy. In May 2020, Jay took his LGBTQ+ focused streaming platform, GagaOOLala, global, bringing queer stories from Asia to the rest of the world. Since then, GagaOOLala has amassed a following of over 2 million members worldwide and has commissioned over 50 LGBT+ original titles (features, shorts, series, documentaries, and variety shows) that have collectively gone on to be represented in over 200 international film festivals, thereby giving a voice to underrepresented creators in countries such as Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines. Due to Jay’s dedicated effort in actively seeking LGBT+ professionals, 66% of the current employees at Portico Media are openly part of the community today. Moreover, GagaOOLala is also a founding member of the Marriage Equality Coalition Taiwan, and Jay is currently a board member for the Rainbow Coalition and the Taiwanese coordinator for Men Having Babies. Jay Lin is a father of two six-year-old twin boys.

Iain Anderson

Executive Chairman

H/Advisors Cicero

At H/Advisors Cicero, Iain has driven mentoring and support for LGBT+ people and now supports HAVAS globally. Over the last two years the business has been shortlisted for the LGBT Awards for its impact. As part of HAVAS and he supports the Diversity and Inclusion Group - ALL IN. He has recently become the new Chair of Stonewall and has been a long-term Stonewall Ambassador and a Trustee of global LGBT+ Charity GiveOUT. He chaired the Government Equalities Office IDAHOT global business event and the UK Government's first ever LGBT+ event focused on SMEs. He also served as the UK Government's first ever LGBT+ Business Champion with a remit to improve the workplace for LGBT+ people, develop solutions to workplace discrimination and champion LGBT+ rights.

Nick Graham

Global Head of Insights & Analytics

Mondelez International

Over the last two years, Nick has provided guidance to the Rainbow Council ERG as one of their executive-level sponsors. He has participated in a number of Pride Month leadership panel discussions, has sponsored internal deep dives on LGBTQ+ inclusion, and has represented Mondelēz International and its brands' work around LGBTQ+ issues. Nick is also one of the founding members of Out In Research, which champions LGBTQ+ diversity in the market research industry by building a community of LGBTQ+ researchers & allies and providing market researchers with resources on conducting research among the LGBTQ+ community. In his previous role at PepsiCo, leading insights & analytics for the US business, Nick ran multiple events and research projects designed to help their marketing community understand the LGBTQ+ community, including playing a pivotal role in helping Bubly sparkling water cement its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community through its GLAAD partnership and activations around Family Equality.

Ralph Breuer

Partner

McKinsey & Company

Ralph is the European Leader of GLAM, McKinsey’s worldwide network of LGBTQ+ colleagues who are committed to supporting one another’s success and to attracting other exceptional LGBTQ+ individuals into the McKinsey community. GLAM Europe has more than doubled membership under Ralph’s leadership. Ralph has enabled and empowered all of our offices to have active GLAM and allyship engagement, including leading our signature event Day of Pink, with 95% of McKinsey offices participating in learning about LGBTQ+ inclusion and allyship. He has been a role model and advocate for transgender and non-binary inclusion, for example ensuring all-gender restrooms are available in McKinsey offices. Ralph's efforts have promoted diversity recruiting initiatives for the next generation of LGBTQ+ talent by hosting the firm’s tentpole events in the region, growing the network's LGBTQ+ recruiting efforts to nearly all offices, including hosting the first LGBTQ+ recruiting event in Tel Aviv. He has also led pro bono efforts to support LGBTQ+ refugees and uses his platform to publish and speak publicly on LGBTQ+ topics.

Ian Clarke

Former Vice President, Global Banking Corporate Sales

Financial Services

Formerly acting Deputy Head of Sales for six sectors, Head of Governance for HSBC's Pride ERG in NYC, Co-Head of World Pride ERG Comms 2019, serial speaker for the Women’s network and Co-Founder of three people committees globally, Ian was the most senior black LGBTQ+ banker for Europe’s largest bank in the Americas. He frequently attended external LGBTQ+ initiatives, marched in bank colors at World Pride Parade and represented HSBC at Open Finance - a multi-bank Wall Street forum on LGBTQ+ interests. In June 2021, Ian authored Project Speak Up, his landmark report cataloging the nature, costs, and solutions to oppressive systems across world financial services affecting the LGBTQ+ community, women, disabled people, young people, and people of color. Later in July 2021, Ian choreographed and co-hosted the bank's first ever live LGBTQ+ alternative stage talent show alongside the Chairman, reopening the first theatre on NYC’s Broadway following COVID. Following subsequent negotiations with senior leaders over his recommendations to help deliver new rights and opportunities for marginalized staff globally, he resigned his banking career the following month. With press reporting on his efforts in 16 languages across 120 countries, Ian’s singular actions delivered 5 D&I world records for meaningful change.

Keshav Suri

Executive Director

The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group

A committed advocate for inclusion, Keshav Suril has guided The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group to support acid attack survivors, hired India’s only differently abled DJ and people from the LGBTQIA+ community. He is also one of petitioners to revoke Section 377 in the Supreme Court of India. The Group has provided opportunities to more than 2000 queer folx and has established itself as one of the safest places in the country. He launched his own – Keshav Suri Foundation in 2018 – with a mission to embrace, empower and mainstream the LGBTQIA+ community. The Foundation is also the official affiliate for It Gets Better Project in India. The Foundation along with Stonewall UK and Pride Circle introduced India’s first Workplace Equality Index (IWEI) for the corporates to measure their D & I metrics. As a Co-Chair on FICCI Task Force on D & I, Keshav Suri has been an integral part of discussions with the policy makers and key stakeholders on matters relating to jobs, healthcare and security for the LGBTQIA+ community. He is recipient of over 30 national and international awards and honours.

Ilse van Gasteren

Partner

Clifford Chance

Since 2017, Ilse has chaired the Clifford Chance Amsterdam Diversity & Inclusion group and is an active member of the Global Arcus Group, Clifford Chance's inclusive employee network open to LGBTQ+ people and allies since 2018. Arcus has an impressive list of achievements over the past two years, from its pro bono and community partnerships to its vital role in assisting Clifford Chance's teams in recruiting and retaining the best talent, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In 2022, they organized and promoted Clifford Chance Amsterdam's month-long Arcus Pride Art Exhibition 2022, where Ilse spoke about her personal journey. Ilse also is active on LinkedIn and is open about her sexuality in firmwide global communications.

Patrick Barron

Vice-president, Corporate Citizenship and Community Investment

TELUS

As Vice-president, Corporate Citizenship and Community Investment, Patrick brings TELUS’ globally recognized social purpose strategy and vision to life, leading corporate citizenship and community programmes, including the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, TELUS Community Boards, Team TELUS Cares, Sponsorship Marketing, Corporate Event Experiences and TELUS Connecting for Good portfolios. Patrick also enables best-in-class governance and delivery excellence through his leadership of the Corporate Citizenship, Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications Program Management Office. Overseeing TELUS’ global giving and volunteerism initiatives, Patrick stewards over $90M – 5% of all pre-tax profits – to charitable and community organizations worldwide each year, including more than $6M to LGBTQ2+ organizations. Additionally, and at the heart of TELUS’ network for good, Patrick inspires our 130,000 global team members and retirees to volunteer over 1.3M days each year. As an executive member of TELUS' Global Diversity & Inclusion Board and founding member of the LGBTQ2+ team member resource group, Patrick champions corporate equality and inclusivity, advocates for LGBTQ2+ rights and is a passionate volunteer for organizations including the Rainbow Railroad, Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, Arts Umbrella and Covenant House. Patrick lives in Vancouver with his husband, Dustin, and their French Bulldog, Henry.

Scott Kenney

Chief Risk and Audit Executive

Moody’s Corporation

Scott is a member of Moody’s Executive Leadership team and is responsible for global risk management and audit across operations in 40+ countries. He is a longstanding member of the Global Diversity Council at Moody's, responsible for setting, monitoring, and achieving DE&I goals, setting policy, and establishing and maintaining a diverse culture throughout the organization. As Executive Sponsor of Moody’s Pride business resource group, Scott has exemplified the highest level of our corporate values and leads by example. His work has served as a blueprint for allyship and advocacy throughout our organization. Outside of Moody’s, Scott serves as an independent member of the Finance Committee and Co-Chair of the Audit Committee for onePULSE, established to create a sanctuary of hope and honor in the aftermath of the June 2016 tragedy at Pulse nightclub. He also serves as a Board Member, Executive Committee Member, Finance Committee Member, and Chair of the Audit Committee for the Hetrick Martin Institute, whose mission is to serve NYC's LGBTQ+ youth with the belief that all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment to achieve full potential.

Jamie Bannister

SVP Head of Strategy, Implementation & Delivery

HSBC

As Global Co-Chair of the HSBC Pride ERG, Jamie has championed efforts towards driving LGBTQ+ inclusive HR policy improvements for Same-Sex and Trans colleagues across the globe. Family-building benefits such as surrogacy, adoption and elective fertility preservation are being expanded in the US. Self-ID and pronoun fields were globally added to the HR employee repository, and name pronunciation was added to the HR directory. Jamie participated in OutWOMEN's 'Women in the Financial World' panel during Out Leadership's June 2022 Proudly Resilient series in NYC and in 2021 led a panel at Out & Equal’s Summit entitled 'HSBC - Families with Pride' to discuss different LGBTQ+ paths to family creation including fertility treatments, adoption, surrogacy, and best practices working with HR to create inclusive policy. She advocates for corporate activism, where HSBC USA signed HRC’s business statement on anti-LGBTQ State Legislation in 2021, an amicus brief in for the inclusion of sexual orientation in the Civil Rights Act in 2020, and the statement for Employment Non-Discrimination Act in 2019.

Alex Gessner

VP Integration and Implementation

Solaris

Alex is the Founder and Chair of the Futura women's network and a core member of the company’s diversity group. They launched a program called 'male allies,' consisting of six months of education for 100+ straight cis male colleagues about unconscious bias, the importance of pronouns, alternatives to saying "guys," and more. They also supervised eight weeks of campaigning around Transgender Day of Remembrance. An intersectional feminist and activist for over five years, Alex established and is running several corporate women's networks, educating people on LGBTQ+ topics, turning bystanders into allies, and arming them with the knowledge to protect LGBTQ+ communities. They were also a finalist in the 2020 Global Digital Women's Digital Female Leader Award.

Craig Buchholz

Senior Vice President, Global Communications

General Motors

Craig Buchholz was named senior vice president, Global Communications, in April 2020. In this role, Buchholz is senior advisor to CEO Mary Barra, and is responsible for the company’s overall global communications strategy as it executes an unprecedented transformation to become a leader in mobility across electric vehicles, autonomous technology and connected services. Craig is a member of the Executive GM PLUS Board, the Company’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group, providing critical guidance and informing its direction. He Founded the 'Coming Out' Mentorship Program that provides peer-to-peer mentorship for employees coming out in the workplace. He is also a member of the GM Inclusion Advisory Board promoting the inclusion of the LBGTQ+ community and shares regular communications to engage General Motors' LGBTQ+ employees through internal social media channels. Craig has supported the policy team in crafting the HRC business statement opposing anti-LBGTQ+ legislation and has engaged with the Senior Leadership Team to gain support and sign on to the 'Respect for Marriage' Act. Craig has participated in networking with executives and mentoring that provides counseling, career development, and coming out resources to employees. Buchholz has more than 20 years of experience in multiple disciplines of communications.

Noel Gavin

Senior Vice President, Global Head, Asset Servicing Learning & Development

Northern Trust Corporation

Noel is a committed advocate for inclusion and has been driving D&I for over a decade. Through his work, Northern Trust has seen a significant increase in senior leader engagement with LGBT+ employees, has sponsored the Limerick Pride Festival and witnessed an increase in senior Irish Leaders mentoring LGBT+ individuals both within and outside of the organization. Noel is also Director and Chair of GOSSH (Gender Orientation, Sexual Health & HIV), a Board Member of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce and in March 2022 was appointed to the Governing Body of the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS). Noel chairs the inaugural Equality, Diversity and Inclusion committee of the university. Noel is passionate about giving back to the local and global, LGBT+ community and his work is a testament to that.

Shawna Baker

Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice

Cherokee Nation

As the first openly gay person to serve on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court and only the third woman to serve on the Court, Justice Baker raises awareness of the 2SLGBTQ+ community within her tribe and throughout Indian Country. Her visibility and active participation in a number of endeavors ensures a voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She serves as a member of Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr.’s Domestic Violence Task Force and as an advisor to Cherokee Nation Health Services’ Ending the HIV Epidemic Committee. Justice Baker also serves as an advisor to Indian Health Services and is aiding the Ending the HIV Epidemic Committee in the Northwest Portland (Oregon) Area. The Oklahoma Bar Association awarded Justice Baker with its Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher Diversity Award in recognition of her work including an opinion she authored granting full rights of citizenship to Cherokee Freedmen descendants within the tribe, as well as, using gender non-binary language. She was named a 2022 Changemaker by New York University’s Alumni Association. Outside of Indian Country, Justice Baker serves as the University of Tulsa College of Law’s Distinguished Alumna in Residence and a Trustee for Oklahomans for Equality.

Anderson Jardim D’Avila

Partner of the Corporate/M&A practice

Mattos Filho

Anderson is one of the founders of Mfriendly, Mattos Filho's LGBTQIAPN+ employee resource group (ERG) which aims to make the firm's work environment more diverse, equal, and inclusive. He is also a member of EmFamília, the firm's ERG dedicated to parenting and promoting gender equality. One of his roles is to promote the multidisciplinary discussion with Mfriendly concerning LGBTQIAPN+ families, a key area of focus at the firm and across Brazil's legal market. He has led initiatives with respect to same-sex parent families, including events on same-sex parenting and publications presenting advice on driving DEI through ERGs and covering the legal aspects of diverse families in Brazil. Anderson has also been Mattos Filho's representative before Outstand, a group formed by large and well-known financial market players, to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace and society. In recent years, he has served as a member of OUTstand's mentoring committee, which launched a Mentoring Program to connect LGBTQIAPN+ students with professionals in the financial market, one of the first LGBTQIAPN+ mentoring programs in the industry.

Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson

Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President

UnitedHealth Group

Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson is the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President at UnitedHealth Group. A prominent speaker, she has been featured in company-wide conversations about the LGBTQ+ experience and in external engagements across the country, where she shares her story and personal experience without reservation. Through speaking and sharing her insights, and by showing up authentically in all spaces, Margaret has helped elevate conversations and the momentum to enhance inclusion, diversity and health equity for all, including LGBTQ+ people, at UnitedHealth Group and beyond.

Rob Davey

Chief Executive Officer

AIPEX B.V.

Prior to his current role, Rob was the Founder and Leader of Spectrum, the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group at Clarivate and was previously Bi lead for Thomson Reuters Pride@Work. Since becoming CEO of pan-European intellectual property law firm AIPEX B.V, Rob has brought in diverse recruitment practices, including diverse candidate slates and interview panels. In addition, he ensures that he has uses his new position and platform as CEO to reinforce DEI commitments at AIPEX and throughout the wider the intellectual property industry. Rob is also Vice Chair of Bi Pride UK with responsibility for events where he lead their virtual Pride in 2021 and spearheaded their return to a physical event in September 2022, the largest Pride event in the world for non-monosexual people. Rob has appeared on numerous LGBTQ+ panels in the past, and this year he spoke on a panel for LGBTQ+ families.

Lex Shu Chan

Former General Counsel

The Business of Fashion

Lex was formerly the General Counsel at The Business of Fashion and former Co-head of BoF's Diversity, Inclusion, Community & Equity (DICE) Council. Over the last two years, they have been involved in leading various initiatives such as establishing and managing the activities of Employee Networks (comprising of BAME, Families, Female Empowerment, Pride, People & Planet and Mental Health). They also created a gender identity and expression guide policy for transgender and gender non-conforming employees. Lex is also a writer, and has contributed opinion pieces on topics such as visibility for the Trans+ and Asian communities and coming out narratives for publications such as i-D. They are also Co-founder of Sachiko & Shu, and released "Recipes Against Racism", a charity cookbook in support of End The Virus of Racism and Stop Hate UK, in April 2021.

Amie Nolan-Needham

Assistant General Counsel – Manufacturing & HR

General Motors

Within General Motors, Amie has worked fiercely as an advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals and employees. She serves on the Executive Board of GM's LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, GM Plus. She also serves as an executive mentor to LGBTQ+ employees, holding quarterly mentoring sessions. As GM's Assistant General Counsel, she regularly advises GM's DE&I, Legal and Global Human Resources Groups on LGBTQ+ legal, political, and social issues, with a focus on equality AND equity. Through these leadership positions, Amie is uniquely situated to bring LGTBQ+ issues to the table and regularly does. She worked with internal senior leaders to help secure GM's sponsorship of the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom for All Americans 2022 Business Statement on Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Throughout her career, Amie has championed the rights of all underrepresented individuals and those who are marginalized. She uses her leadership positions to bring advocacy and awareness to diverse communities.

Rick R. Suarez

Country President Spain

AstraZeneca

Rick has served for many years as an executive sponsor of AstraZeneca's Employee Resource Group (ERG), focused on providing support and education, and fostering a culture of openness, tolerance, and acceptance within AstraZeneca. He supported the co-chairs who lead the US group of AstraZeneca PRIDE, of close to 500 members, ensuring they have the resources needed to advance important changes for the LGBT+ community at AstraZeneca. In partnership with the US Pride Community, he pushed for important conversations on inclusion, diversity and acceptance. These changes include a broader definition of family, from a benefits standpoint, broadening the definition of family. Other changes implemented extended our medical plan fertility coverage to better support female same-sex couples, eliminating a cause requiring women to have to first prove infertility. As Country President and General Manager in AstraZeneca Rick started the This Is Me movement to enhance the role of diversity and inclusion in Spain. Through This Is Me, we highlight the importance of taking pride in what makes us different and unique. We have joined the Business Network for Diversity and Inclusion LGTBI + (REDI). Lastly, AZ Spain now has its first ERG for the LGBTQIA community.

Katherine (Karrie) Trauth

Senior Vice President, Shipping & Maritime

Shell

Karrie is Shell's first 'out' LGBTQ+ Senior Executive. She has been the Senior executive sponsor of Proud @ Shell and SEAShell, the US LGBT+ Network. As a sponsor, she has enabled the development of a multi-year strategy for the UK Employee Network. Karrie has spoken and engaged internal audiences at all levels, both on her experience in the closet whilst with her previous employer and on her decision to live a full, open, and visibly out career joining Shell in 2012. In the past two years, she has spoken on Shell's global ICOD webcast, including talking about her decisions to be a visibly out leader, provided two keynotes for the DEI initiative for the international legal function, and found an opportunity to talk about the LGBTQ+ community in every leadership engagement. In addition, Karrie regularly has keynote speaking engagements at major shipping conferences and uses each opportunity to speak about DEI - including LGBTQ+ inclusion.

Hannah Yankelevich

Partner

McKinsey & Company

Hannah is McKinsey's Global Lead of LGBTQ+ recruiting at McKinsey & Company. They have actively served as a coach, mentor, and sponsor for numerous LGBTQ+ colleagues, providing support for areas such as career progression and inclusion in the workspace. Hannah has also led efforts to ensure the implementation and usage of pronouns and driving inclusive spaces in the office such as gender-neutral bathrooms. In addition, Hannah was an active member of the Reaching Out MBA Board of Directors, where they served as the first woman Board President in the organization's 20-year history. Hannah has also founded what is now known as the "Out Women in Business" Program, focused on LBT+ women's representation and progression in business and enabling success through scholarships for LGBTQ+ MBA students to 95+ business schools worldwide.

Julie Dickson

Investment Director

Capital Group

Julie is the Global Co-Chair at CG Pride and is focused on expanding CG’s LGBT+ advocacy to the wider community. Within her organisation, she is key to driving an atmosphere of positive change. She has organised events for Pride, hosted virtual celebrations for LGBT+ history month, prolifically spoken up about coming out at work during Lesbian Visibility Week, and most recently brought UK Black Pride into conversation with CG’s internal communities-‘CG Pride’ and "Capital Associates of African Descent". Externally, Julie is a major donor to OutRight Action International, an organisation that is devoted to providing human rights advocacy for LGBT+ people around the world. She also holds a seat on the leadership team of InterInvest which helps further LGBT+ interests across the investment industry. Julie is driven not just by her determination to provide the best investment solutions, but also a commitment to be seen, heard and included. It is through this passion that Julie drives inclusion in her role at Capital Group and beyond.

Fire (Lars) Sia

Sr. Director, Operational Training and Quality

Convey Health Solutions

Fire is currently one of the Standards Pillar Leads in PFIP (Philippine Financial and Inter-Industry Pride) where he helps manage one of the organizations’ 2022 key projects, the LGBT+ Workplace Inclusivity Playbook. From 2020-21, he was part of the Teleperformance Pride Network - TP Pride - as part of the Leadership Team, the company Employee Resource Group for LGBTQ+ employees. He helped pioneer TP Pride and has led and facilitated several talks and sessions, such as The Importance of Self Identification, SOGIE 101, Bi-Visibility. He has also, for various companies, reviewed and provided feedback on corporate HR Policies concerning LGBTQIA+ matters. Fire is also Co-Founder of Side B Philippines, a bi-visibility, SOGIE education, & employment equality advocacy organization. He leads and facilitates seminars surrounding LGBTQ+ inclusion, is a panelist and guest speaker at events, on podcasts, and in the media where he is both vocal and honest regarding LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace in the Philippines. He has also participated as a Human Rights Defender for the Philippines Universal Periodic Review at the UN in Geneve, Switzerland, to lobby for LGBT rights.

Eric Dube, PhD

President & CEO

Travere Therapeutics

As CEO of his company, Eric is currently co-Founder of OUTbio San Diego for LGBT+ biotech employees. He is responsible for the formation of the first Diversity Employee Resource Group at Travere in 2020. He highlights LGBTQ+ patient stories internally and externally. Diversity, inclusion and belonging measures are a corporate goal for him and his executive team since 2021. He worked with an external firm to assess policies and practices regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion in 2021 and was also on the board of AIDS United until 2022, with a core focus on health equity. He also helped found the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition to improve health equity within the rare disease community. He serves on the Board and Executive Committee at BIO and supports the industry workforce diversity initiatives, including how to engage LGBTQ+ employees best. He also speaks at panels addressing workforce diversity and the need for the life sciences industry to address health equity.

Adam Stanley

Transformation Executive and Board Director

Teach For America

Adam is currently helping transform services and programs of Teach for America, a national education non-profit, having retired as Chief Digital Officer at Cushman & Wakefield earlier this year. In addition to this critical impact work, Adam is a non-executive Director on the boards of GATX Corporation and Church Mutual Insurance, one of very few publicly out LGBT board members in the United States. While at Cushman, Adam served as executive sponsor of UNITY, the LGBTQIA+ network, where he helped drive the expansion from a United Kingdom based group to a global network including the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries. He significantly supported the first submission to Human Resource Coalition's corporate equality index (HRC CEI) in which the company scored a perfect 100. He has spoken on numerous panels in the last year around diversity and specifically on being an out, black, gay executive and he regularly speaks within his industry and across other industries. He was recently featured in a joint study from a prominent Consultancy and leading recruiting firm on gay executives. Adam lives in Austin Texas, with his husband Timothy and their dog Aaliyah, where they help first-time homeowners purchase property as licensed Texas realtors.

Tim Franks

Partner, Private Equity, Co-CEO of KKR’s global democratized private equity business

KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm with $491bn AUM across private equity, real assets and credit, with offices in 22 cities across four continents. Tim was Co-Chair of KKR's Inclusion Network for two years, and continues to be involved in a firm-sponsored Employee Resource Group set up to provide resources, support, and a network for KKR's LGBTQ+ community globally. He helped drive an initiative to reinforce KKR's governance model on inclusion in 2022, and is bringing greater diversity to KKR's investment committees. Tim mentors LGBTQ+ colleagues and others in the private equity community, and was instrumental in developing Pride events for the KKR community in London. KKR is pushing for greater representation on the boards of its portfolio companies, mandating two diverse board members for every company where KKR has control, with Tim playing an active role in the implementation of this in Europe. He currently sits on the board of a number of companies, including Upfield, Wella, and ERM. Tim is an active speaker at conferences on being an LGBTQ+ leader in his industry, and is involved in initiatives to get LGBTQ+ business students interested in private equity. He is married to Andrew, and they have two boys.

Lara Shewchuk

Chief Operating Officer

Architech

Lara is a driving force for inclusion at Architech and has established sustainability and DEI as a strategic pillar guiding the growth of the company. Lara and the Architech leadership team prioritize pay and promotion equity for women, and have increased women in technical roles well above tech industry standards. Lara is the Founder and Executive Sponsor of Architech’s Inclusion Council, Architech’s Build a Better Future Program, Pride & Allies Committee and the Wom=n@Architech Network. She has established key partnerships with Pride at Work Canada and Black Professionals in Tech Network to drive top-down awareness and safe-conversation throughout the company. Externally, Lara is a member of Pride At Work Canada’s Thought Leadership Committee and the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors. She also serves on the board of directors at the Canadian Center For Women’s Empowerment. Lara holds a Global ESG Designation from Competent Boards and proudly joins their 2023 faculty, contributing DEI business leader insights to their esteemed global sustainability programs. As part of Out Leadership’s fall roundtables, Lara will convene with top ESG professionals to shape LGBTQ+ initiatives into actionable ESG strategies, further advancing LGBTQ+ equality.

James Miller

Chief People Officer

GBG

James is Chair of be/yourself, GBG’s Inclusion and Diversity Network and is Executive Sponsor of the Sexual and Gender Identities Chapter. James implements webinars, company wide Q&A sessions and uses his platform to create blogs to drive conversation and change for the LGBT+ community. James recognizes the difference he can make through his role and by sharing his expertise and tools to drive change as well as his values-driven approach to create a workplace where everyone can succeed. Externally, James is an avid speaker, sharing both his professional and personal perspectives to effect change. Additionally, James mentors LGBT+ colleagues, is an active member of the HRC and is a member of McKinsey’s Alliance group of prominent LGBT+ leaders.

Austin Chiang

Chief Medical Officer, Gastrointestinal

Medtronic

Openly sharing his own story through his multiple social media platforms and representing the community within the organization, he lend visibility to LGBTQ+ leadership as the first Chief Medical Officer for the gastrointestinal business at Medtronic, the global medical technology leader. Dr. Chiang has raised awareness LGBTQ+ health through education on social media as well as empowered LGBTQ+ leaders within his team. For his work, he was nominated for the GLAAD 'TikTok Advocate of the Year' award in 2021 and was featured as one of TikTok’s inaugural 25 LGBTQ+ Trailblazers of 2020. He has also worked closely with The Trevor Project on multiple social media campaigns to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ youth safety. In a Fierce Biotech interview featuring LGBTQ+ health tech leaders he reflects as a young leader, "There’s still a lot of work to be done, but if there’s any way I can potentially be of help to the next generation or others, I think that I want to pay it forward in that way.

Oliver Wall

Chief of Staff and Head of Corporate Affairs at Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland

Oliver is the first openly gay man to form part of Bank of Ireland’s Executive Team, and one of the few out LGBT+ executives in any major Irish listed company. Oliver has made it a priority to embody the message that everyone benefits when we bring our authentic selves to all aspects of our lives, including our place of work. He is the Executive Committee Sponsor of the Bank's LGBT+ employee resource group, as well as being an active member. In 2022, the company launched its inaugural Group Ally Programme, which encouraged colleagues to take a visible and active role in being an ally. The success of this program was driven by a top-down leadership approach, with a real focus on driving accountability for change and overall DEI efforts from the leadership level. During the summer, Oliver pioneered a Summer with Pride campaign, which included local and regional events, flying of flags on top of prominent office buildings and a CEO video campaign.

Brenna Rauw

General Manager, Biomedical & Beauty

Modern Meadow

Brenna Rauw is the GM of Biomedical & Beauty for Modern Meadow, a purpose-driven synthetic biology and materials company on a mission to be a catalyst for the wellness of people and the planet. In her role, Brenna is leading development of protein-based biomedical technologies that would advance gender-affirming care. Brenna is the only openly lesbian and transgender leader on the senior management team and uses her position to drive authentic change and is a visible role model within the business. She was invited to represent senior leadership in grassroots efforts to advance and celebrate diversity and inclusiveness, and she was a speaker at the inaugural People Day in 2021 on the importance of words and inclusion. In her nonprofit efforts, Brenna served as Chair of XXcelerate, an organization supporting Oregon women entrepreneurs, director of the HBS Pride alumni board, which is advancing LGBTQ+ alumni connection and representation on corporate boards, and an advisor, mentor, and host committee awards member for StartOut, nonprofit supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. She is a member of the BCG Pride Alumni Council and was speaker at Pride@BCG Conference in 2022. Brenna is also an investor in Plume, the first company offering online gender-affirming hormone therapy.

Christine Matthews

Head of Customer Success TGI Ireland

Kantar (Media Division)

Christine is the Global Co-Lead of the firm's Pride Network. With the support of her Global Pride ERG, she has created the company's PRIDE mission statement, recruited new active supporters, and grown the community allowing colleagues to celebrate their individuality and flourish in the workplace. Christine drives monthly meeting agendas, tracks progress objectives, and organizes global internal webinars to educate and inspire colleagues to drive LGBTQ+ inclusion across the business. She is instrumental in planning, communicating and implementing Kantar's Pride month celebrations and events across the LBGTQ+ calendar ensuring all letters of the alphabet are celebrated and supported. She has secured funding from departments across the company to forge strong external DEI partnerships. Additionally, she attended her first live Pride parade in Dublin this summer ‘22, proactively showing solidarity & marching with fellow LBGTQ+ individuals and is committed to driving the LGBTQ+ inclusion agenda within business and beyond.

Antonious Porch

General Counsel and Chief Diversity Officer

SoundCloud

Antonious was recently promoted as SoundCloud's first Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) and also remains SoundCloud's General Counsel. As CDO, his focus is on building, refining, and, most importantly, driving the development of an integrated DEI strategy that is globally relevant and cross-functionally aligned to business outcomes with our Music, Engineering, Marketing and People teams. His expanded portfolio gives Antonious a powerful platform to role model professional success as an openly gay Black man. Further, it allows him to directly affect business strategy, recruiting and hiring decisions, employee performance, mentorship opportunities, diversity resource groups (DRGs) and company culture. Antonious also serves as Executive Sponsor of the SoundCloud Community Fund, our multi-million-dollar commitment to social justice and equality, as well as musical artists' mental health and wellbeing. He previously, served as Executive Champion of SoundCloud's "Clouds of Color" DRG for employees of color and allies, while also being an active presence within SoundCloud's "Queer Clouders" DRG for LGBT+ employees. Antonious also sits on the Board of GLAAD.

Guilherme Zardo Klein

Head of P&C External Communications

Philip Morris International

Gui never ceases to challenge organisations to create spaces where everyone can have access to opportunities, and where people can bring their true, unique selves to work. He joined Phillip Morris Brazil in 2016, where he led LGBTQ+ initiatives and founded the affiliate’s first ERG. Gui progressed at PMI with a dual career shift, moving from Marketing to People & Culture, from Brazil to Poland and most recently to the UK. Through these changes, he has become part of the global LGBTQ+ agenda by supporting the set-up of PMI’s global ERG, designing and deploying a new Inclusive Parental Policy, acting as member of the I&D Soundboard, and through his role as speaker on awareness and engagement sessions. Outside of his day job, Gui works towards supporting LGBTQ+ youth who struggle to feel confident in navigating the corporate world. To do so, he is a mentor, both in Brazil and in the UK (at the University of Birmingham), supporting students' personal and professional development. For all the above, Gui has been invited to be a speaker at University of Sussex’s TEDx, is part of the judge panel for The Queer Student Awards, and was nominated for the British LGBT Awards 2021.

Oliver Gross

Global Chief of Staff

KPMG International

Oliver is a passionate advocate for inclusion and has used his influence and expertise to drive change within KPMG and beyond. He empowers Networks such as the internal Breathe Executives to be more ambitious, drives ongoing campaigns to ensure that suppliers and external engagers are LGBTQ+ inclusive, and works to build an inclusive infrastructure from the inside out. For example, as the Trans Ally sponsor, he accelerated progress on trans inclusivity across processes and policies. This included the provision of trans-inclusive healthcare, gender-neutral facilities, and processes for name changes across formal systems. In addition, Oliver provides leadership support and guidance to KPMG's Global Pride Network, is an active and valuable mentor, and uses his position to advance the organization's overall strategic objectives.

Anoosh Arevshatian

Chief Risk Officer

Zodia Custody by Standard Chartered and in association with Northern Trust

As one of two women C-suite managers in her company and the only LGBTQ+ Management Team member, Anoosh understands the importance of creating inclusive workplaces. She has founded and leads an internal LGBTQ+ Community Network that focuses on celebrating authenticity and provides support for the firm's LGBTQ+ employees in an open and friendly environment. This community was created because Anoosh shared her personal and professional journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community during her times in Zimbabwe, South Africa and more recently Belfast and London. As a result, she has provided others with a safe space to speak openly about their experiences and journey. This has only enhanced the company's overall inclusion plan and helps to inform further initiatives and the authentic nurturing of career development. She is an active speaker and is involved in events where she routinely highlights the importance of driving the LGBTQ+ inclusion agenda across the business world and beyond.

Michael Kienle

Global VP Talent Acquisition

L'Oréal

Michael is a major driving force for L'Oréal's global inclusion agenda. He leads the Talent Acquisition mission in attracting and hiring the best and most diverse talent. In addition, he is a committed advocate of fostering the next generation of talent through his involvement in the L’Oréal for Youth Program. Michael is an inspiring leader who leverages his expertise and platform to consistently guide the organization's overall inclusion strategy, using his experiences as an LGBTQ+ leader and role model to elicit and inform real change.

Emma Cahill

Global Marketing Director – Food Protection & Preservation

Kerry

Alongside her role as Global Marketing Director for Food Protection & Preservation at Kerry, and seat on the board of directors for Spinal Injuries Ireland, Emma is an active member of PRYSM, Kerry’s official LGBTQ+ group designed to prioritize learning about each other’s communities. She has been influential in driving LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion across the business through widely sharing her story of coming out at work and has been commended for her efforts in promoting inclusion through the recruitment process for her own team. As a senior leader within her organization, Emma is keenly aware of the power of representation and is an energetic advocate for LGBTQ+ and disability rights. Her aim is creating an environment where all colleagues feel empowered and confident to bring their full selves to work. She leverages her influence to drive education across all levels of the business. Emma frequently speaks on topics surrounding overcoming adversity with the aim of further driving the agenda of an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their true selves to work. She looks forward to seeing more openly LGBTQ+ leaders at the helm of businesses in the future.

Alexander Walsh

Senior Managing Director

Blackstone

Alex Walsh is a Senior Managing Director in Blackstone’s Private Equity Group in London, and an active member of the LGBTQ+ inclusion taskforce, OUT Blackstone. OUT Blackstone’s mission is to create a supportive environment in which employees can bring their full selves to work. Programming is predominately focused on employee engagement opportunities aimed at raising awareness around issues of importance to the LGBTQ+ community, including internal networking events, educational speaker series and social events. Since joining the firm in March 2022, Alex has brought new energy to the taskforce, successfully raising LGBTQ+ awareness at a senior level, as well as focusing efforts on expanding the OUT London taskforce. This includes designing and delivering sessions with Queer Britain and the Albert Kennedy Trust; providing employees with the tools and knowledge required to drive real change. Alex also works closely with diversity partners SEO London, Black Women in Asset Management, #10000BlackInterns, Bright Network, Women in the City Afro-Caribbean Network & Women Societies Alliance to ensure that inclusion initiatives remain both intersectional and a priority.

Jan Schepanek

Head of Personal Investing & Advisory Germany

Fidelity International

Jan is a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion at Fidelity International and a visible and inspirational leader within the business. He is a member of the Global Diversity & Inclusion Council and Co-Executive Sponsor of the LGBT+ Employee Network. Jan is focused on building out the visibility of LGBTQ+ issues within the organization and the asset management industry more broadly. He is dedicated to increasing the number of LGBTQ+ allies across the firm, extending dialogue beyond the focus of LG and B toward Trans+ inclusion, and driving collaboration across Employee Networks. As Head of Personal Investing & Advisory Germany with responsibility for over 650,000 end-clients Jan is also committed to driving inclusion more broadly through integration into the wider customer offering. Before becoming the Co-Executive Sponsor, he was an active member of the Employee Network, has featured in several internal LGBTQ+ and Cultural Diversity webinars, and has driven participation in the first Pride Index Germany in 2021.

Catherine Vaughan

Global Financial Crime and Compliance Leader

EY

Catherine led a team organizing EY's IDAHOTB 2021 showcase event - a 24-hour Global webcast. Starting in New Zealand and closing in San Francisco the event "followed the sun" with a series of messages, stories and discussions by LGBT+ people, allies and business leaders. Designed to "educate, inspire and celebrate" LGBT+ inclusion at EY, the event was the first of its kind attracting participants from across the EY world. Additionally, she continues to drive LGBT+ inclusion into EY's D&I agenda through 1-2-1 connection with EMEIA D&I Lead and EMEIA D&I SteerCo, deliver keynote talks and training to internal groups of LGBT+ and non-LGBT+ colleagues. She sponsors LGBT+ events, fund-raising for LGBT+ community groups and participates in Unity Chapter panel discussions as well as supporting BeLonG To, a leading LGBT+ Youth organization in Ireland supporting young LGBT+ people and working with schools to combat bullying in the school system.

Nancy Schlichting

Director

Walgreens Boots Alliance

Nancy is an active speaker, advocate and champion for LGBTQ+ inclusion within business and beyond. She has written a book titled 'Unconventional Leadership' that focuses on leading inclusively and provides non-traditional insights for becoming a strong business leader. Nancy has used her platform to speak widely about her leadership journey, including being outed, passed over for a promotion due to her sexual orientation, and overcoming discrimination to become the CEO of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit and a Director of for-profit and nonprofit boards. She has been inducted into the Healthcare Hall of Fame and was recently honored by the Detroit LGBT Chamber of Commerce with the Allan Gilmour Leadership Award.

Raj Jani

Global Head of Talent Development

Ralph Lauren

Raj is the Global Head of Talent Development at Ralph Lauren and is focused on driving inclusive and equitable talent development to empower Ralph Lauren's employees to succeed without barriers. He leads a global team in implementing robust talent programs and embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion at the heart of all functions. He is also the Executive Sponsor for #RLPride for EMEA, where he uses his platform to empower others and provides support to elevate others to success. Additionally, he participated in and created roundtables to drive education and discussions surrounding inclusion, led pride events throughout EMEA implemented trainings on topics such as bias and microaggressions in the workplace.

Jess Ling

Senior Vice President, B2B Marketing

American Express

Jess is a committed advocate for inclusion and has leveraged her passion and expertise to drive real change throughout her career. Jess is a founding member of the PRIDE+ Executive (VP+) Network and Executive Sponsor for the PRIDE+ New York Chapter. As Executive Sponsor, Jess meets regularly with colleagues to provide thought leadership, and direction to the strategy to support LGBTQ+ inclusion amongst colleagues, customers, and the communities in which they work and live. In her capacity, Jess has participated in events featuring guests such as Carlos Menchaca, NYC Council member in celebration of National Coming Out Day and panel discussions like the Diversity Reboot Summit series: "Pride at Work" for PowerToFly. In addition to her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, Jess is deeply invested in representing the power of intersectionality as a steering member of Amex’s Executive Women’s Network and as the executive sponsor of Colleague and Professional Development initiatives for the Asian Network at Amex.

R. Alan York

Partner

Reed Smith LLP

Alan is the global leader of Reed Smith’s PRISM, the firm’s LGBTQ+ business inclusion group. Over the last three years, he has brought about significant advancements within Reed Smith supporting the professional development, mentorship, and sponsorship of PRISM members, while also serving as an advocate for change, equity, and representation in his community. Under his leadership, PRISM has refined its focus to more intentionally connect LGBTQ+ lawyers and professional staff, to create a strong and sustainable pipeline of LGBTQ+ talent into the firm, to work with other marginalized communities to create intersectional programming, and to enhance employment policies and benefits directly impacting the LGBTQ+ community. Alan has made the promotion of LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion a critical and unwavering part of his practice. He is currently serving as a member of the National Leadership Council and leader of the Houston Leadership Committee for Lambda Legal, the US's most active and engaged legal organization fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities. He has also led efforts to bring to Texas the Name Change Project, a program of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund that provides pro bono legal services to individuals seeking name and gender marker changes.

Brook Colangelo

Chief Information Officer

Waters Corporation

Brook champions LGBTQ+ employees and works closely with DEI leaders within Waters to create and encourage the company to drive inclusion. Alongside his day job, Brook is the co-Founder and co-Chair of the Waters Pride Circle, an Employee Resource Group that supports the LGBTQ+ community and promotes inclusion as part of the broader Waters diversity and inclusion initiative. He has helped grow the Circle to over 100 LGBTQ+ and ally employees, implemented company changes, including the introduction of employee gender transition guidelines, ensured the availability of best-in-class benefits policies for LGBTQ+ employees and introduced gender-neutral bathrooms. In 2009, Brook became the first openly gay CIO of the White House and CIO for the President of the United States. In addition, Brook and his husband are actively involved with the Trevor Project, a non-profit focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth.

Sean Livingston

Managing Director

UBS

As Managing Director at UBS Private Wealth Management, Sean focuses on advising and helping founders and C-suite executives achieve their financial goals. Sean is based San Francisco with a career in wealth management spanning over 20 years. As an active member of UBS's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council for the Americas, Sean is focused on key initiatives such as increasing employee participation in "Self-ID," bolstering and improving hiring, retention and promotion policies for LGBTQ+ employees, and broadening the firm's LGBTQ+ mentorship program. Sean also serves as Co-Chair of PRIDE Americas, the firm’s LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, and in this capacity, has spearheaded an increase in its visibility and membership. Additionally, he serves on the firm’s Multicultural Investor Segment Financial Advisor Board. In 2022, Sean was named an Outstanding Voice for the LGBTQ+ community by the San Francisco Business Times. Sean is a Board Member of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, and an Advisory Board Member of Friends of the Children Bay Area. An enthusiastic patron of the arts, he has served on the Boards of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus and New Conservatory Theatre. Sean lives with his husband, two children, and their rescue dog in the Mission in San Francisco.

Gabrielle Novacek

Managing Director and Partner

Boston Consulting Group

Gabrielle served as the global leader for BCG's LGBT+ ERG, Pride@BCG for over a decade. Under her leadership, the firm's LGBT+ community expanded dramatically across its global footprint, and made significant advancements in LGBT+ support, benefits, and leadership representation. More recently, she was appointed DE&I fellow to BCG’s business innovation think tank, the Henderson Institute, and global leader of BCG's Equitable and Inclusive Business practice. In these roles she now owns overall responsibility for the advancement of BCG's global external DE&I agenda. This work has enabled BCG to extend its impact in advancing LGBT+ issues in the private sector, and has also lead to the publication of significant thought leadership on topics of LGBT+ inclusion. She was also appointed as both head of BCG Chicago and member of the firm’s North America Management teams, which was the first time a lesbian had ever held either an office leadership, or executive management role in the firm.

Chad Wallace

Executive Vice President, Global Head of Commercial Solutions

MasterCard

As Global Head of Commercial Solutions for Mastercard, Chad is active with the Pride Business Resource Group to ensure LGBTQ+ voices are heard and that Mastercard is an inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ communities. He is a prominent public speaker by encouraging LGBTQ+ leadership and awareness within the Financial Services industry. He also sponsors Mastercard’s Pride activations in various cities around the globe allowing colleagues to come together in person and celebrate. In addition, he is engaged online and uses both internal and external platforms to advocate for LGBTQ+ people in businesses and beyond. Prior to his current role at Mastercard, Chad was Co-Chair of the Americas LGBTQ+ Community Engagement Committee. He has focused on supporting North and South American local charities and community services teams, spearheaded donations for LGBTQ+ covid relief fund, and Co-Chaired Americas LGBTQ+ Client Engagement Committee with a focus on creating an LGBTQ+ client network.

Patrick Lenihan

Vice President and head of Communications

Grindr

Patrick leads global communications and investor relations at Grindr, the world’s largest social network for gay, bi, trans, and queer people. As Grindr transitions to become a public company, Patrick is rewriting the company’s narrative to focus even more on standing up for the needs of the LGBTQ community. Internally at Grindr Patrick spearheaded the effort to hire the company’s public-company board of directors, possibly the most LGBTQ-diverse board in history; he also led a company-wide effort to articulate Grindr’s mission and its corporate values, the first of which is "Authentically Queer." Externally, Patrick uses his position as Grindr's chief spokesperson to build stronger relationships with LGBTQ institutions and creators, regularly championing partnerships around issues like board representation, smart sexual health (including Grindr’s effort to combat the global Monkeypox outbreak), and with non-profits such as Lambda Legal. Previously, Patrick was a communications leader at Google and Goldman Sachs where he led projects to increase the visibility of LGBTQ people and initiatives.

David Evendon-Challis

Chief Scientific Officer, Head of R&D

Bayer Consumer Health

David leads the Bayer Consumer Health diversity and inclusion strategy for the scientific community. This has included the creation of an I&D Champions Internal Network covering major geographies & sites, conducting the organization's first-ever I&D survey and follow-up pulse conversations to identify issues and opportunities across the organization. David has launched and sponsored Conversations Series' across the business to engage with LGBTQ+ inclusion and drive forward the agenda for change across the business. He is also embedding DEI into recruitment for the science community by ensuring diverse slate requirements, incorporating DEI into product development across clinical trials, consumer research & inclusive design and sharing experiences in company-wide parenting events around surrogacy, parental leave and flexible working. David is also a Mentor and externally has supported the Ja für Alle campaign and referendum to provide full marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples in Switzerland.

2022 Top 100 Executives

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CEO

Brooks Brothers

CEO

London Stock Exchange plc

Managing Director, Head of Japan Prime Services

Goldman Sachs

CEO and Chair of the Executive Board

Randstad NV

Chief Financial Officer

Cognizant

EY Japan Chairperson & CEO, EY Japan Regional Managing Partner

EY Japan

Global Chief Growth Officer

Virtue (VICE Media Group)

Chief Administrative Officer & Global Head of Operations, Asset & Wealth Management

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

President, North America; Vice President, Government Affairs and Advocacy

Dow

Chief People Officer

Compass Group

Vice President & Managing Director, EMEA

Celebrity Cruises

Chief Communications Officer

Publicis Health

Vice President - Strategic Change

RS Group PLC

President

Man Group

CEO

Rocket Entertainment Group

Chief Marketing Officer

Hootsuite

President and CEO, CBS; Chief Content Officer, News and Sports, Paramount+

CBS

Head, Personal Banking Products and Experience

BMO Financial Group (BMO)

Vice President, Talent

Komatsu

Founder

Apeiron Investment Group

Chief Sales Officer

PB Versicherung AG (HDI Group)

Director of Policy

NHS Confederation

Chief Product Officer

Reliance Health

Managing Director, Head of Client Digital Strategy & Platforms

JP Morgan

Partner of the Tax practice

Mattos Filho

Senior Vice President, Chief Legal & Governance Officer

The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company

Head of Social Impact

Lucky Generals

MD & Senior Partner - People Chair for Europe, Middle East, South America & Africa

BCG

Head of Global Foreign Exchange Trading

Fidelity International

Chief Operations and Culture Executive - Global Diversity Champion

Dorchester Collection

Chief Risk Officer

MS Amlin

Senior Assistant General Counsel

Altria

Partner

McDermott Will & Emery

Chief Technology Officer - Colleague & Operations

Sainsbury's

Partner - Co-Head of Global Life Sciences Group

Allen & Overy LLP

CEO

The Social Element

Consulting Leader – Energy, Resources and Utilities

TATA Consultancy Services

Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs