As a company that operates in over 180 countries, diversity at Diageo is cherished and everyone is set up to succeed. Diageo has been recognised as a preogressive company within the FTSE 100 for the number of women it has on its on boards and in its senior leadership positions. Diageo was cited favourably in the Hampton-Alexander Review - a government commissioned review into increasing the number of women in senior business roles.

Co-Chair of the report, Sir Philip Hampton stated "It is clear that gender balance on FTSE boards has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years and this progress continues. However, we must significantly increase the number of women in senior leadership roles if we are to harness the skills of women for the benefit of business and the UK economy.”

An inspiring and diverse company culture

With Diageo's culture of promoting diversity and inclusivity at its very heart of business, this global premium drinks company is continually working to ensure that talented women at the top of its business are recognised, promoted and rewarded.

"We are driven by a core belief that successful businesses are those that harness the benefits of a truly diverse and inclusive culture. Women currently make up 44% of our Board and 40% of our Executive Committee. In April 2018, our Board will achieve gender parity whe Ursula Burns takes up her position as No Executive Director. We are proud of the progress we have already made towards gender equality in our business and have a clear ambition to deliver more," explains Mairéad Nayager, Global Human Resources Director, Diageo PLC.

The appointment of inspirational business leader Ursula Burns as a Non-Executive Director to Diageo was certainly great news, and demonstrates the importance of visible female role models in senior positions.

Diageo benefits in many ways from having a diverse workforce. Not only does it provide them with access to the widest possible talent pool, it also means that Diageo can tap into multiple perspectives that help them better understand their customers. Diversity also drives innovation; a variety of personalities, experiences and perspectives making Diageo a more creative, vibrant and exciting place to work.

Diageo celebrates diversity everywhere and they support a range of employee groups throughout the world. These range from their growing women's networks such as Spirited Women in the UK, US, South Africa and Hungary to their Asian and African heritage groups and LGBT networks. Diageo believes that everyone has a vital contribution to make to Diageo's story and they want all of their people to feel part of it.

“Diversity is a critical business imperative to grow our business. At Diageo we know we cannot succeed without the skills, talents and capabilities of our people. Simply put, our people are the main ingredient for our success,” states Chief Executive, Ivan MenezesIvan Menezes.

So Diageo is proud to be the FTSE 100 company with the highest number of women at the most senior levels. 44% of their Board Directors and 40% of their executive leadership are women. Further ways that Diageo is working to narrow the gender gap include:
- their target increase female representation in its global senior leadership team to 40% by 2025
- they were the first alcohol beverage company to sign the UN’s Women’s Empowerment Principles in March 2013
- they're committed to a target of 50% of our graduate intake to be women

Great career options at Diageo

Meet some of the impressive women working at Diageo and enjoying high-profile careers, and take a look at some of the fantastic career opportunities currently available.

Find out more