In alphabetical order
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This category is judged based on evidence provided according to the British LGBT Awards criteria.
ALAN HAYWOOD
BP
Since April 2020, Alan Haywood has been Head of Group Strategy for BP. As such, he leads the work to define the direction and ambition of the company as it transitions through major change in the energy industry. This is part of BP’s drive to “net zero” by 2050 or sooner. He is the executive sponsor of the LGBT+ network for the UK and a passionate advocate for inclusion and the pursuit of bring your whole self to the workplace.
Prior to assuming the Strategy lead, he was CEO of the Trading business.
BRIAN MCNAMARA
GSK
Brian McNamara is CEO, GSK Consumer Healthcare and a member of GSK‘s Corporate Executive Team. He has led the Consumer Healthcare business since September 2016. In addition to his CEO role, Brian is a Board Member of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF). He was previously a Board Member and Chairman of the Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) and was also on the Board of Trustees for The Treloar Trust, which provides support to young people with physical disabilities. Brian earned an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from Union College in Schenectady and an MBA in Finance from University of Cincinnati.
CAIT O’RIORDAN
FT
Cait is responsible for product strategy, development and operations across the FT Group. She is on the FT’s executive board, which is responsible for the company’s global strategy and performance. Leading a team of 450 people, Cait has a strong focus on driving diversity and inclusion. Before joining the FT in February 2016 Cait was VP of Product at Shazam and played a central role in the user and revenue growth of the music app company. Prior to that she led the BBC’s digital product development for the London 2012 Olympics.
CAROL LUKASZEWICZ-DANSEY
M & G
Carol was Co-Chair of the M&G LGBT+ Network, “Pride”, for four years and remains on the committee as an Ally Lead. She was drawn by the network’s ambition to “foster a safe environment, where everyone who identifies as LGBT+ could feel comfortable being open about their gender identity and/or sexual orientation”. Holding an international facing role, Carol wanted to demonstrate a visible Ally presence at M&G, especially to those colleagues who may not enjoy the same freedoms as we do in the UK. Externally, Carol sat on the Steering Group for InterInvest, and is a regular attendee at Pride In London.
EMMA SMITH
VODAFONE
Emma is Cyber Security Director at Vodafone, where she leads a global team who are responsible for protecting Vodafone and its customers against cyber threats that are constantly evolving. People, diversity and inclusion are at the centre of Emma’s approach to building effective and innovative teams. Through a collaborative approach, both internally and with industry and government partners, Vodafone’s cyber teams provide a valuable contribution to improving safety in society. Alongside leading Vodafone’s cyber security work, Emma is active in her pursuit of inclusion for all.
She is the LGBT+ sponsor for Technology at Vodafone Group, and believes that people thrive when they can be themselves and feel that they belong. Emma believes that the role of active allies in the workforce is vital to create a safe space and an inclusive work environment for all.
JOHN SOUTAR
HomeServe
I am a 51 year old married father, from a council estate in Glasgow who believes firmly that all people should be treated fairly and with respect. I left school and started working as a mechanic in the 1980s. I witnessed shocking attitudes and treatment of gay people during that period. I vowed at an early age this was unacceptable and have spent the rest of my working and personal life trying to win hearts and minds whilst calling out bias conscious or unconscious.
I am the social convenor for our HomeServe LGBT+ Network and a very proud LGBT Ally.
JONATHAN HOWE
PwC
Jonathan is a PwC tax partner with over 25 years experience providing services to large organisations across all industries. He advises clients on how to deliver on their tax responsibilities strategically, operationally and digitally – innovating the way in which their tax functions deliver.
Jonathan has close personal experience of a family member being trans and of their transition. During this time Jonathan has learnt a lot and had his eyes opened. He now tries to share these experiences to help and support others, both within a corporate environment and wider. He is passionate about being a part of society where trans people are free to be themselves and accepted as part of its very structure.
PHILIPP LOHAN
NielsenIQ
Philipp is a Senior Vice President at NielsenIQ, where he leads the global relationships with some of the largest consumer packaged goods manufacturers in the world.
Philipp assumed global sponsorship of NielsenIQ’s PRIDE employee resource group in 2019, having previously been a European PRIDE sponsor and co-leading PRIDE in Europe. He is an outspoken ally to the LGBT+ community, and enjoys mentoring more junior LGBT+ colleagues on public speaking and career development.
At NielsenIQ, Philipp helped conceive a PRIDE Diversity Dialogue to celebrate IDAHOBIT with a focus on intersectionality and diversity, advocated for the launch of LGBT+ inclusive HR policies and training pathways, and launched joint activities with LGBT+ groups from client companies, including a Trans Awareness Month webinar and consumer research to understand the British LGBT+ consumer.
SHARON HAGUE
PEARSON
Sharon Hague is responsible for developing and delivering Pearson UK’s qualifications and resources for schools.
Sharon campaigns for greater LGBTQ+ inclusivity in the classroom and workplace. She led a partnership with Stonewall to release curriculum guides for secondary and primary school teachers. Sharon made it easier to request a replacement exam certificate showing a change of gender.
Sharon speaks out on LGBT issues generating national and trade media coverage. Within Pearson, she champions LGBT issues. Sharon launched our UK-wide rainbow and trans pride ‘lanyard’ campaign involving 900 employees (25%), her ‘blog’ reached 2,000 people and employees voted it most popular.
She is Sponsor of Spectrum UK, Pearson’s Employee Resource Group.
TIA FERGUSON
Natwest
Tia Ferguson is Head of Internal Service Management at Natwest. Since her son came out as Transgender, she has been inspired to make an impact inside and outside of work, and has sponsored the creation of a well-established community of colleagues who are working together to drive change and innovation for LGBT+ colleagues, customers, and communities.
After spending 20 plus years in the bank, Tia is a results-driven, customer focused professional with solid experience in managing service, change delivery and risk management. A strong desire to collaborate and promote inclusion has enabled her successful career to date.