Accenture, Novartis and Diageo are among companies leading a new diversity index
Consultancy firm Accenture, Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis and drinks giant Diageo are among the top global companies for diversity and inclusion, according to a report released today.
The index from Thomson Reuters ranks the top 100 most diverse and inclusive publicly listed companies globally.
Accenture topped the list, followed by Novartis, medical device company Medtronic, Diageo and clothes retailer Gap in fifth.
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Others to rank high include luxury group Kering in seventh, cosmetics maker L'Oreal in eighth, food company Nestle in 15th, tech giant Microsoft in 16th and consumer goods company Procter & Gamble in 17th.
Elena Philipova, global head of environmental, social and governance at Thomson Reuters financial and risk, said: “The industry is beginning to recognise the societal and business benefits of investing in diverse and inclusive companies and we are working closely with various investment firms who are looking to develop investable products based on our D&I index.
Will Jan, vice president & lead analyst at Outsell, said: “Recent studies have revealed that diversity and inclusion is correlated to value-creation & profitability. As such, financial services have an obligation to inform investors of these opportunities.”
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New entrants this year include engineering company Siemens in 24th place, telecoms company Vodafone in 28th, British pharma firm GlaxoSmithKline in 29th and drinks giant Coca Cola in 47th.
Candida Mottershead, HR director for Accenture in the UK and Ireland, said: "Inclusion is tremendously important for Accenture and the ability to get the best out of a diverse workforce is a source of competitive advantage for any business.
"We believe that when people feel accepted, included, and valued, they are more engaged in their roles, team with colleagues more effectively, and deliver better outcomes for the business."