LGBTQIA+ Role Models: Diageo leaders recognised for 10th year running

13 Nov 2024 AwardsOur peopleChampion Inclusion and Diversity

Four of our people have been recognised in the annual Outstanding Role Model lists.

We’re delighted to see four Diageo leaders featured in the ‘Outstanding LGBT+ Role Model Lists’ 2024, the annual spotlight celebrating leaders and allies that are driving inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community in the workplace.

Recognised in the Top 40 Advocate list is our Chief HR Officer Louise Prashad, who has been named for the third year running, and Chief Marketing Officer Cristina Diezhandino, who ranked 9^th overall. As Chief HR Officer, Louise’s commitment to creating an inclusive culture and ensuring Diageo is a great place to work for LGBTQIA+ talent was highlighted. Cristina was featured for her commitment to progressive marketing across Diageo’s 200+ brands and her role as Global Executive Sponsor of Diageo’s Rainbow Network, our incredible Employee Resource Group that supports our LGBTQIA+ employee community.

Passionate advocator Shane O’Rourke, Head of Performance Marketing, featured in the Top 100 Executives list, with his recognition reflecting his role as the chair of the Rainbow Network. He successfully advocated for gender-neutral bathrooms at Diageo's Global H.Q., secured sponsorship for Queer Britain, the U.K.'s first LGBTQ+ museum, helped Diageo raise funds for the National AIDS Trust and submitted its first application to the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index. Outside of Diageo, he organises networking events to connect LGBTQIA+ professionals, partners with other ERGs and serves on the Leadership Committee for Out In Tech's U.K. chapter, fostering a supportive community for LGBTQ+ individuals in technology.

"I'm genuinely honoured to be included alongside such brilliant role models and colleagues. This recognition is about our team's efforts at Diageo to make sure everyone can be their authentic selves at work. By embracing intersectionality, we celebrate the diverse identities that enrich our workplace and help us grow together." Shane O’Rourke (He/Him), Head of Performance Marketing

Finally, we’re delighted to see Mahlah Catline, Assistant Brand Manager, featured in the Outstanding Future Leaders Role Model List. Mahlah has been recognised for their significant contributions to intersectional LGBTQ+ advocacy, including organising and hosting a Trans Awareness panel which highlighted the experiences of trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals in the on-trade.

"This recognition is greatly appreciated, I'm passionate about highlighting underrepresented perspectives of the queer and trans community in the on-trade and contributing to conversations of progressive LGBTQIA+ portrayal for the wider business. Hopefully, by centering intersectionality, we are able to celebrate our diverse differences but also out intrinsic commonalities allowing us to all connect and grow together" Mahlah Catline (they/them) Assistant Brand Manager, Baileys GB

Our commitment

We are committed to making sure Diageo is a great place to work for LGBTQIA+ talent and that we support LGBTQIA+ inclusion and rights around the world. Pride 2024 at Diageo was once again led by the Rainbow Networks around the world, with 94 sites participating in Diageo’s biggest flag-raising event to date. We have Gender Identity and Expression Guidelines live in over 30 countries, with our industry-leading parental leave policy also giving UK employees 26 weeks’ paid leave, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or whether they become parents biologically, via surrogacy, or adoption.

Our brands are leading advocates of Diageo’s inclusive culture, challenging stereotypes and championing diversity. Last year, Baileys announced a three-year partnership with the Eurovision Song Contest, continuing its inclusive brand commitment. Johnnie Walker and Casamigos led our partnership with Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras 2023-24 and World Pride 2023, Johnnie Walker also sponsored Edinburgh Pride 2023, and Smirnoff supported several Pride parades across the U.S. last year.

Find out more about our commitment to creating an inclusive culture

Discover more about the Outstanding LGBTQIA+ Role Model Lists