Finalists (listed alphabetically by first name)
BlackRock
BlackRock is the first dedicated asset manager to establish a local Hong Kong LGBT Network and has successfully encouraged more than 50% of the workforce to join as LGBT or allies within its inaugural year. The firm’s commitment and passion was further acknowledged when it achieved Rank 3rd in the 2017 Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Index. With Managing Directors as highly motivated strong allies, BlackRock has held a wide range of events that have sparked and encouraged open discussions and broader inclusion. The support does not stop here - BlackRock has committed to sharing experiences and driving the agenda forward with other chapters in the region, as well as engaging external partners to extend their influence among the business community in Hong Kong.
Other Finalists (listed alphabetically)
• BlackRock
• Hotel ICON
• KPMG
• Thomson Reuters
Hotel ICON
Being the first in the industry to offer medical benefits to the married spouses of the same gender, Hotel ICON is a vocal leader setting a precedent for many other companies in Hong Kong to follow suit. The hotel also organised the first ever Diversity and Inclusion conference for the hospitality industry in Hong Kong in 2017 to raise awareness and share knowledge on best practices for implementing a Diversity and Inclusion strategy within the workplace. Externally, Hotel ICON is a high-profile sponsor for different LGBT-inclusive initiatives among the community including the Pride Parade, Pink Dot, the Economist Pride & Prejudice Conference etc. They also launched a Pride Room Package in 2017 as a fresh way to celebrate Hong Kong’s win to host Gay Games 2022. In launching the Pride Room Package, Hotel ICON approached other LGBT-allies including Kapok, Walk In Hong Kong and G.O.D. to participate as sponsors resulting in an even more attractive Room Package. All these innovative and meaningful initiatives echo the organisation’s commitment on Diversity and inclusion while promoting LGBT+ inclusion beyond the workplace.
KPMG
KPMG launched their local Pride chapter in April 2017 as a visible and supportive network to their employees, clients and communities. The group is led and supported by Partners and Directors making it even more accountable and impactful in strengthening employee connection and engagement across the firm. Since the creation of Pride@KPMG, KPMG’s internal focus has been the promotion of LGBT+ inclusion through reverse mentoring and a multi-media Ally campaign which directly engaged internal key stakeholders and senior leaders. The firm’s leaders are now equipped with knowledge, and are fully conversant around the benefits of LGBT+ inclusion with KPMG’s employees, clients and communities. The Ally campaign attracted more than 120 employees to sign up initially, and has subsequently enabled new and enhanced conversations, and raised awareness around LGBT+ inclusion. HK employees now act as mentors for other KPMG firms through the HK firm’s role on KPMG’s Global LGBT+ Steering Committee. Externally, KPMG has partnered with Community Business, OUTLeadership, QSA, and the Hong Kong Interbank Forum to organise events and leverage resources and networks for the good of the community.
Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters has developed a thoughtful plan for promoting LGBT+ inclusion internally by ensuring senior leadership across all business units and internal departments are aware of all the achievements and plans for the year in order to secure subsequent buy-in for future events. Over the past 2 years, the firm has created new business opportunities in the financial and risk space by having the Thomson Reuters Diversity and Inclusion Index fully integrated into its Eikon platform for financial services companies. This ensures that the link between the strength of inclusion policies and practice and business performance are considered when making investment decisions. This strengthens the Thomson Reuters product and ensures a strong LGBT+ inclusion message with new and unique insights.