Receives Perfect Score on HRC's Corporate Equality Index NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 4
NORWALK, Conn., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diageo is pleased to
announce that it is the first spirits, wine and beer company to achieve a
perfect score in the annual Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index
(CEI) survey. The CEI is an annual report produced by the Human Rights
Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation's largest
advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. With its
perfect score, Diageo is now recognized by the HRC as one of the "Best Places
to Work" and listed as one of the top companies that support equality for Gay,
Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) employees.
"This rating confirms that Diageo continues to make progress in our
diversity and inclusion goals," said Ivan Menezes, President and CEO Diageo
North America. "It encourages us to intensify efforts and provides an
environment where our employees feel authentic and bring their true selves to
work every day."
Each fall, the CEI provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large U.S.
employers and their policies and practices pertinent to GLBT employees,
consumers and investors. Results for the seventh annual index were announced
recently with Diageo scoring 100 in its second year of participation in the
survey.
Diageo's CEI score reflects a five-point increase compared to last year's
total on the item of gender identity guidelines and diversity training. With
assistance from the Rainbow Network, one of the company's employee resource
groups, Diageo's Human Resources department focused on amending its policies
to obtain the top rating.
Diageo's Rainbow Network has been very active in this process. Achieving
this rating motivates us to continue raising awareness among our entire
employee base as well as our GLBT consumers," said Neil Tallantire, Senior
Vice President of Innovation, Diageo North America, and Rainbow Network Chair.
"This rating also reflects a long-standing relationship between Diageo and
HRC" continued Tallantire. "In keeping with DC&E's commitment to equal rights
for all, BV became the featured wine of HRC and the official toast of many of
the national fundraising galas. This was not only the right thing to do but
also a good way to demonstrate support for the GLBT community."
Diageo Chateau & Estate's (DC&E) Beaulieu Vineyard (BV) brand has been a
sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign for more than a decade and a "National
Partner" for the last four years.
The elements that HRC considered for Diageo's rating included:
(1) Inclusion of "sexual orientation" and "gender identity or expression"
in our non-discrimination policy
(2) Availability of health insurance coverage for same sex domestic
partners on the same basis as for married spouses
(3) Review of company policies regarding gender transition guidelines
(4) Inclusion of GLBT issues in our diversity management and training
(5) Marketing, advertising, philanthropy, and sponsorship of GLBT
organization and community groups
Each year HRC publishes its annual Buying Guide, which is mailed to more
than 250,000 HRC members and subscribers. The Buying Guide lists specific
brands with recommendations to GLBT consumers to buy or avoid them based on
their parent company's support of its GLBT employees and community. The 2009
version will be released in November and a number of Diageo brands will be
rated in the highest "buy" category.
About HRC
The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization
working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By
inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination
against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness
and equality for all. HRC seeks to improve the lives of GLBT Americans by
advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families
are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all
Americans through innovative advocacy, education and outreach programs. HRC
works to secure equal rights for GLBT individuals and families at the federal
and state levels by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing grassroots
supporters, educating Americans, investing strategically to elect fair-minded
officials and partnering with other GLBT organizations.
For more information on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2008
Corporate Equality Index, visit www.hrc.org/cei.
About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with
an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines,
and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff,
J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu
Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.
Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the
world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the
London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people,
brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com.
Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.
SOURCE Diageo
