Historically speaking, efforts to bring diversity and inclusion to companies have begun with a group of employees and worked their way up to the C suite. But that’s not always the case. Witness CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion.
More than 150 CEOs of some of the world’s largest and most influential companies have joined together to use their individual and collective voices to bring diversity and inclusion to the workplace.
As you can imagine, there are some serious power players in this group, and its nine-member steering committee represents the cream of the crop. Here are a few of its members.
Bill E. Ford, CEO of growth equity firm General Atlantic, has more than 25 years of experience investing in and helping to build leading growth companies. He joined General Atlantic in 1991 and became CEO in 2007. He holds a B.A. in economics from Amherst College and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
“As industry leaders, we are seizing the opportunity to help drive meaningful change in the communities we serve,” Ford said. “Acting now and having open conversations about diversity and inclusion in the workplace will empower our people to do their best work, which will undoubtedly lead to greater business.”
Cathy Engelbert, CEO of Deloitte US, is listed as one of Fortune magazine’s 2016 and 2015 Most Powerful Women. She holds a B.S. in accounting from Lehigh University and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
“By breaking down barriers, finding common ground, and providing a platform for shared experiences, employees will be empowered to be their authentic selves and express their greatest talents to do their best work and reach their full potential in every aspect of their lives,” she said.
Joe Davis, Senior Partner and Managing Director at BCG, is responsible for the company’s operations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. He was recognized as one of Consulting Magazine’s Top 25 Consultants in 2011 for excellence in the public sector. He has a B.A. in economics from Whitman College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
“Diversity is not a ‘nice-to-have’—it is key to delivering superior results for our clients,” he said. “Coming together with other CEO s and leaders to share our efforts and learn from one another through collaboration will drive the cultivation of more diverse and inclusive workplaces and enhance economic growth.”
Lynne Doughtie, US Chairman and CEO of KPMG, has received numerous accolades, including Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business, “Woman of Achievement” by the National Association of Female Executives, and Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People. She holds a B.S. in accounting from Virginia Tech and has CPA certification in Virginia and New York.
“Inclusion and diversity are an intrinsic part of who we are, and we are committed to ensuring that our inclusive culture remains in place so that all of our people have the opportunity to succeed and achieve their full potential,” she said.
Other members of the steering committee include Accenture North America CEO Julie Sweet; Executive Leadership Council President and CEO Ronald C. Parker; EY US Chairman and Americas Managing Partner Steve Howe; New York Life CEO and Chairman Ted Mathas; and Procter & Gamble Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO David Taylor.
The CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion Summit will take place in the fall of 2017. There, the members will discuss best practices and what they’ve learned to date, develop additional commitments, and welcome new signatories. For more information about CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion, visit the organization’s website.
