Mondelēz International has announced a “multi-year commitment” to advance racial equity and economic empowerment through global diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives. The confectionery and snacking giant said it will elevate its existing D&I initiatives to make “meaningful impacts” in racial equity and economic empowerment around the world. The plan is designed to accelerate the company’s existing D&I efforts following extensive consultations between company leaders, colleagues and experts.
“Mondelēz International is committed to building a more diverse, inclusive and equitable world, both socially and economically,” commented Dirk Van de Put, Chairman and CEO of Mondelēz International. “As a global company, we know that diversity in all its forms is a driver of innovation and growth. We must reflect the diversity of our consumers to deliver stronger business performance as we lead the future of snacking.”
The company will address local and global opportunities to advance racial equity and economic empowerment by expanding its D&I initiative across three key areas over the next three years. They include: colleagues, culture and communities.
ENSURING DIVERSE REPRESENTATION
To ensure staff diversity at all levels represent the communities, customers and consumers it serves, the company has committed to double Black representation in US management by 2024. To enable this goal, it has implemented a series of actions across its business. It will increase the presence of underrepresented candidates on interview slates, doubling investment in early career programmes, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Mondelēz will also establish new mentoring and leadership development programmes for people of colour.
These initiatives will complement the company’s efforts to continue to maintain appropriate pay equity for Black colleagues. In addition, it will increase the strategic impact of D&I within the organisation by appointing a Global D&I Officer who will be report to the CHRO, CEO and Board of Directors.
STRENGTHENING COMPANY CULTURE
To further strengthen the company’s culture and continue to cultivate an inclusive, bias-free and equitable workplace that enables all colleagues to be themselves and achieve their full potential, Mondelēz will invest in building cultural competencies for all employees. These will include D&I performance metrics in business unit and functional goals.
The company also plans to mobilise its consumer-facing brands and leverage its partnerships with agencies and advertising platforms to drive change, equity and inclusion. To foster reflection and service in its US Business Unit, the company will honour Martin Luther King Jr Day as a paid holiday and recognise Juneteenth with a US day of service.
DRIVING INCLUSION
To drive economic inclusion in underrepresented communities, the company has committed to spend $1 billion with minority and women-owned businesses globally by 2024. Across every business unit, the company will foster partnerships to support underrepresented communities. In the US, this will include a new multi-year signature partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help close the opportunity gap for youth. It will also establish a multi-year college scholarship programme for underrepresented youth in the US.
MEANINGFUL IMPACT
“In a world that can seem more divided than ever, our business and our brands have the power to bring people together and take a stand on this important issue,” stated Glen Walter, EVP & President, North America at Mondelēz International. “We are confident that we can make a true and meaningful impact over the short and long term. We will continue to evolve and refine our plans to ensure we are driving, positive, lasting and much-needed change on the issues of racial equity and inclusion.”
The company’s announcement builds on the company’s ongoing D&I efforts. This includes successfully closing its senior-level gap of women in leadership and building the right inclusive leadership behaviours to create a winning growth culture that values differences. The company will report its annual progress against these goals in their Snacking Made Right Report, alongside its other purpose-focused activities.
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