Several figures at leading tech firms have been recognised for improving LGBT rights in business.
The OUTstanding lists, which highlight executives who have sought to make the workplace more welcoming to LGBT individuals, are published in the Financial Times.
In their fifth year, they recognise the top 100 LGBT+ Executives, Top 50 Allies, Top 50 Future Leaders and Top 20 Public Sector.
James Miller, chief people officer at North West-based identity data intelligence specialist GBG, was 56th in the list of LGBT+ Executives.
Joshua Graff, EMEA VP marketing solutions at LinkedIn, was 16th on that list, with Accenture’s group chief executive for products Sander van‘t Noordende in 20th, Instagram’s global head of marketing Cliff Hopkins in 26th and two Facebook VPs at 31st and 35th – Alex Schultz (growth marketing) and Tudor Havriliuc (human resources).
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is seventh on the Allies list.
“These lists exist to challenge the assumption you cannot be out and successful in business, and to highlight the importance of role models in inspiring the next generation of business leaders,” said Suki Sandhu (pictured above), OUTstanding founder and CEO.
“By recognising and celebrating those who are leading the charge, the lists demonstrate how far the quest for workplace equality has come.
“But there is always more to be done. Big business and the public sector have the power and influence to promote LGBT+ inclusion more widely, paving the way for real societal change around the world.”
Entered for the lists by colleagues in the workplace, the nominees are then considered by an OUTstanding judging panel including Ashok Vaswani, CEO of Barclays UK, Josh Spero, deputy editor of special reports at the FT and Dawn Airey, CEO at Getty Images.
GBG’s Miller actively promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion across a team in 17 countries, with broad ranging cultures and legislation.
“I’m honoured to be included in a list with such inspiring individuals, and in a subject so important,” he said.
“Within any organisation, senior executives set the tone and this message cascades to members of the team.
“No one should ever be held back due to their sexuality, ethnicity, age, gender or on any other grounds.
“I’m glad to be a role model in a business that makes hiring decisions based on talent.”