Diageo senior leaders recognised as LGBTQIA+ Role Models

09 Nov 2022

We’re thrilled to announce two Diageo executives have been recognised on the prestigious ‘Outstanding LGBT+ Role Model Lists’ 2022, which shine a light on leaders and allies for their impact towards LGBTQIA+ diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Named on the Top 50 Ally Executives list is our Chief HR Officer Louise Prashad, and Chief Marketing Officer Cristina Diezhandino. This is the eighth consecutive year individuals from Diageo have been recognised.

The Lists, prepared yearly by diversity and inclusion organisation INvolve, showcase the Top 50 Ally Executives, 100 LGBT+ Executives and 100 LGBT+ Future Leaders.

As Chief HR Officer, Louise Prashad was recognised for her commitment to creating an inclusive culture, championing the LGBTQIA+ community, and ensuring Diageo is a great place to work for LGBTQIA+ talent. Cristina Diezhandino was featured for her commitment to progressive marketing across Diageo’s 200+ brands, and her role as Global Executive Sponsor of the Diageo Rainbow Network.

Diversity and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do at Diageo, and I’m thrilled to be recognised alongside Cristina. I extend my sincere thanks to the members of our employee Rainbow Networks globally, who passionately lead and support us in driving change at Diageo and in our communities. There’s no doubt the impact that a diverse organisation has on performance and attracting the most talented employees, and all businesses must continue to champion, respect and listen to the LGBTQIA+ community and drive bold change.

Louise Prashad

Chief HR Officer

I’m honoured to be included in the Outstanding LGBT+ Role Model Lists 2022, alongside other inspirational LGBTQ+ peers. Through campaigns like Baileys Witches, we’re committed to creating an advertising environment where, from script to screen, everyone sees themselves represented. Our Rainbow Network were integral to the creation and execution of this campaign and I’m proud to be an ally and drive the work of our brands to make sure everyone feels recognised and celebrated.

Cristina Diezhandino

Chief Marketing Officer

At Diageo, we understand that the most successful businesses are those that embrace a diverse workforce with a range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities. Our ‘Spirit of Progress’ ten-year sustainability plan includes a number of stretching inclusion and diversity goals.

Led by the Rainbow Network, Diageo’s Pride 2022 was bigger than ever, with the Progress Pride flag raised at 85 sites globally. We also recently celebrated 2022’s ‘INC Week’, which included sessions for employees on ‘LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Workplace’ and ‘Sexile: LGBTQIA+ Outside of the Big City’. Our Gender Expression and Identity Guidelines, launched in 2020, outline a framework for how Diageo will ensure fair treatment and support for our employees with diverse gender identities and gender expressions. In our recent global employee survey, 86% of employees agreed that in Diageo, people from different backgrounds and opinions can thrive and be themselves.

Find out more about the Outstanding LGBT+ Role Model lists here.