Burberry chief executive Christopher Bailey has topped a list of Britain's most inspiring LGBT business executives, as the first ever openly 'out' CEO of a FTSE 100 company.
OUTstanding, a campaign to improve the diversity of UK boardrooms, has published a new list of 100 inspirational LGBT business leaders, along with championing 20 "straight allies" like Virgin boss Richard Branson and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
OUTstanding founder Suki Sandhu said: “We need publically visible role models in business to show that the workplace welcomes all talented people, regardless of their backgrounds or identities. This is a human, rather than an LGBT issue which is why we’re also celebrating those trailblazers outside the LGBT community who promote the issue of diversity within their businesses.”
Former BP chief Lord Browne said: “If closeted employees can identify with someone who has been through the closet door and succeeded, then they are more likely to let go of the fears that hold them back. OUTstanding and the Top 100 list provide the role models which demonstrate that coming out at work is both possible and worthwhile.”
HuffPostUK presents the top 10 inspirational LGBT business executives from their list.
Top 10 LGBT Business Executives
Burberry CEO Christopher Bailey (01 of10)
Open Image ModalBailey said: “I am honoured to be chosen as the recipient of this year’s OUTstanding business leader award. At Burberry we pride ourselves on being an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to ensure that an individual’s talent and potential are the only criteria we look at when considering who should be working with us.”
Antonio Simoes, HSBC's UK CEO(02 of10)
Open Image ModalBeth Brooke-Marciniak, Ernst and Young(03 of10)
Open Image ModalBrooke-Mariciniak, global vice-chair of public policy at EY (Ernst and Young), said: “It’s a privilege to be recognized among such esteemed business and EY role models who demonstrate daily that difference matters—and who assert that sexual orientation and gender identity are two very valuable dimensions of diversity. The expansion of these lists points to the progress we’ve made in inspiring executives to authentically and courageously come out and champion LGBT inclusion. But until all professionals feel confident leveraging their visible and invisible differences to add value in business, there is more work to be done. I commend OUTstanding for creating and growing these lists to give those of us honoured a global platform and responsibility to influence this work in new ways.”
Anthony Watson, Nike Inc(04 of10)
Open Image ModalNike Inc, Global Chief Information Officer
Stephen Clarke, WHSmith CEO (05 of10)
Open Image ModalIGI Laboratories chief Jason Grenfell-Gardner (06 of10)
Open Image ModalAlex Schultz, Facebook VP for Growth(07 of10)
Open Image Modal (credit:http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/need_help/enterprise_programme/explore_where_to_start/marketing_and_selling/social_media_marketing.aspx)
Paul Reed, BP(08 of10)
Open Image ModalCEO of BP's Integrated Supply and Trading wing
NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt(09 of10)
Open Image ModalClaudia Brind-Woody, IBM(10 of10)
Open Image ModalVice President & Managing Director, Global Intellectual Property Licensing at IBM