Diageo's Louise Prashad shares an IWD message

Diageo is committed to attracting and retaining the most diverse talent while creating the most inclusive culture. Its markets will set and deliver against ambitious goals on gender and ethnic diversity.

Diageo Chief HR Officer, Louise Prashad, marked International Women's Day by sharing the work the company is consistently doing to challenge gender stereotypes and #BreakTheBias.

An employer advocating representation

"Today our thoughts are with women all over the world, who are facing fear, uncertainty and a daily struggle just to survive. Undoubtedly, International Women’s Day is different this year, yet it remains a moment to come together and recognise the progress that women have made in society, and to push even harder to #BreakTheBias," said Louise.

Diageo knows that progress requires bold ambition and action. It must start with building representation throughout the organisation, and especially in the most senior roles that can influence decisions, shape culture, and provide a pathway for others. "We are proud to have 60 per cent female representation at board level, and talented women in key executive roles including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Regional Presidents of our largest markets. However, we know there is more to do," Louise commented

"There are real barriers to attract and retain female talent in areas like STEM (science, technology, mathematics, engineering) where bias and stereotypes can often exist. Focusing on entry to these roles, as well as digital, media and technology is crucial. At Diageo, we are investing in female-focused apprenticeship and scholarship programmes, as well as championing trailblazers like our own Dr Emma Walker, Johnnie Walker’s first female Master Blender," she said.

Diversity of thought and experience fuels growth and innovation

Diageo knows that diversity of thought and experience fuels growth and innovation. Businesses must also create a culture of inclusion, where every unique individual can thrive and be at their best. This requires collaboration and input from people right across the business.

"We are fortunate to have highly active employee resource groups globally, including our Spirited Women’s Network, who drive thought-provoking conversations and shape vital new policies and programmes," commented Louise.

As advertisers of some of the world’s most loved brands, Diageo will use its creative and media spend to support progressive voices, celebrate diversity in its advertising and help shape a tolerant society.

"The role of businesses must also be to drive change beyond its own walls, and to actively confront bias and challenge stereotypes in society. We are focused on ensuring our advertising and media spend on global brands such as Guinness and Johnnie Walker, progressively portrays women, and we have also committed ten per cent of our global purchasing spend towards diverse-owned and operated suppliers by 2025," she explained.

Commitments to retaining women in the workplace

Diageo is proud of the work it is doing to ensure inclusion and diversity is embedded across the company and its supply chains. For Diageo to realise its ambition, the company depends on recruiting, retaining and developing diverse talent with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities in each of the 180 countries in which it operates.

"Women bring huge value into the organisation, and it has never been more important to retain women in the workplace. The pandemic has sadly highlighted that many inequalities still exist. As one of the first companies to globally launch an equal parental leave policy, we aim to ensure the burden of childcare does not fall unduly on mothers. Since launch two years ago, Diageo’s fathers are now taking on average 99 days of parental leave. We have also strengthened support for employees experiencing menopausal symptoms and fertility issues, and we will continue to embrace flexible working so that women can thrive in all aspects of their lives," said Louise.

"I’m incredibly proud of the work we have done at Diageo to create an equal and inclusive business. As we face into rebuilding our social and economic structures, why wouldn’t we do it in a way that is fair, equitable and eradicates the bias that still exists? There is no better time than now to #BreakTheBias," she concluded.