Empowering Change: Celebrating Business Leaders Breaking Down Barriers for Ethnically Diverse Talent

Diversity and inclusion consultancy INvolve has published its annual Empower Role Model Lists, supported by YouTube, which celebrate businesspeople playing a central role in breaking down barriers at work and smashing the ceiling for people of colour within global business.

The annual Empower Role Model Lists celebrate business leaders who are playing a central role in breaking down barriers at work for ethnically diverse talent and those who are leveraging their platform and influence to keep diversity and inclusion at the top of the agenda. The three global lists feature role models from 51 countries, reflecting different stories, experiences and strengthening the cohort with increased intersectionality.

TOP 10 OF 100 EMPOWER EXECUTIVE ROLE MODELS

1. Titi Cole, CEO Legacy Franchises at Citi
2. Funmi Adegoke, Group General Counsel & Chief Sustainability Officer, Halma Plc
3. John Chen, Executive Chairman and CEO, Blackberry
4. Sir Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive Officer, Diageo
5. Tiger Tyagarajan, Chief Executive Officer, Genpact LLC 
6. Oluchi Ikechi-D’Amico, Partner, Head of Strategy & Transactions, Capital Markets, APAC, Ernst & Young
7. John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Operation Hope
8. Mauro Gregorio, President, Performance Materials & Coatings, Latin America Oversight, DOW
9. Kathy Quashie, Chief Growth Officer and Executive Committee Member, Capita Plc
10. Gail Peterson, Chief Marketing Officer, Ecolab

Commenting on topping this year’s Empower Executives list, Titi Cole, CEO Legacy Franchises at Citi, said: “It’s a privilege to be an Executive Role Model and help remove obstacles on the professional path for other diverse talent. Driving equity in the workplace across industries and uplifting the next generation of leaders is a responsibility that’s shared by all and good for all. When we see it, we can believe it – so having ethnic minorities in senior leadership roles shows others what’s possible. It can also give companies a competitive edge in attracting and retaining the best talent from all backgrounds. At Citi, we’re committed to creating a company that reflects the diverse communities we serve, across all levels of the firm. We embrace a multitude of perspectives to truly understand our clients’ challenges and opportunities and help them prosper.”

TOP 10 OF 100 EMPOWER FUTURE LEADERS

1. Esther Akinwolemiwa, Fixed Income Sales – Rates, Wells Fargo
2. Amjad Khan, Director, Customer Institute
3. Malcolm Ellis, Pronghorn Lead / Global Director, Technology and Strategy, DIAGEO
4. Lin Yue, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs
5. Joshua Angelo Estrella, Senior Technical Analyst, Meta Ireland
6. Norman Jones, Director, Global University Recruitment, Danaher Corporation 
7. Tolu Falade, Offshore Subsea Operations Specialist, BP
8. Anna Dilku, Group Social Media Manager, AVIVA
9. Allegra Tomassa Massaro, Senior Conflicts Analyst, Latham & Watkins LLP
10. Donnica Hawes-Saunders, Senior Manager, Global Strategic Partnerships and Civil Engagement, Philip Morris International

Commenting on securing the number one spot in the Empower 100 Future Leaders List, Esther Akinwolemiwa, Institutional Sales at Wells Fargo, said: “I realised early on, that to get the most fulfilment from my life and career, I must positively impact the communities I am privileged to be part of. This motivates me to actively seek opportunities to give back, within and outside my organisation, that utilise my skills and experience. I am extremely honoured to be chosen as one of INvolve’s Empower Role Models – especially as it’s a recognition for activities that bring me joy!”

 TOP 10 OF 50 LEADING ADVOCATES FOR ETHNIC MINORITY INDIVIDUALS

1. Christophe Beck, CEO & Chairman, Ecolab
2. Jon Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Capita
3. Anne Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity International,
4. Jason Tarry, UK & ROI CEO, Tesco 
5. Donna Milrod, Executive Vice President, Chief Product Officer, State Street
6. Scott Salmirs, President and CEO, ABM Industries
7. Karen Sedgwick, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, Sempra 
8. Courtney della Cava, Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Portfolio Talent & Organizational Performance, Blackstone
9. Mark Read, CEO, WPP
10. Robyn Grew, President, Man Group

Commenting on being named the leading Advocate for ethnically diverse individuals in the 2023 list, Christophe Beck, Chairman & CEO at Ecolab, said: “I’m extremely honored to be included alongside so many great leaders on the INvolve Empower 100 Executives Role Model List,” said Christophe Beck, Chairman and CEO of Ecolab. “I accept this recognition on behalf of our incredible Ecolab team who continue to champion diversity, equity and inclusion every day. At Ecolab, we strongly believe that fostering a culture of belonging and embracing diverse perspectives are essential for our continued growth and success. That’s why we’re unwavering in our commitment to promoting diversity and equity within our company and in the communities where we operate.”

Check out the complete Empower lists here.

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