EDI Update December

It's December, and in true festive spirit there are plenty of updates and resources from the WiHTL & Diversity in Retail Collaboration Community to share with you! We have exciting WiHTL & DIR leadership news, our 2024 Annual Report and much more.

WiHTL & DiR Team News

We are thrilled to share two key leadership appointments that underpin our commitment to fostering collaboration and driving impact across our Collaboration Community and Advisory Services. 

Joanna Aunon (she/her) has moved into the role of Chief Impact Officer. In this newly created role, Joanna will drive growth through purpose driven initiatives, launching products and services that align with our mission and values, advancing both our community and our shared objectives.

 We are delighted to welcome Rosanna Holt as our new Chief Operating Officer. Rosanna brings a wealth of expertise and will focus on enhancing and enriching our Collaboration Community. Her commitment to strengthening member relationships, driving engagement, and elevating our Leadership Development Programmes will be invaluable as we continue to grow and support our members.

Cliff Thomas joins the CFO Board

We’re delighted to welcome Cliff Thomas, CFO at McDonald's , to the CFO Board! Since its launch, our CFO Board has been at the forefront of driving transformative change within the finance functions of the Hospitality, Travel, Leisure, and Retail industry

 "Across all roles in my career – and as a father of two boys and a husband at home – being an ally, building awareness and creating action which encourages all forms of diversity is an increasing passion of mine. I am looking forward to working together with WiHTL & DiR to further develop my own curiosity and inspire other leaders to do the same," said Cliff.

Roisin Currie joins  DiR Advisory Board

We’re thrilled to announce that Roisin Currie, CEO of Greggs , and one of the top 5 Most Inclusive CEOs in Retail at our inaugural inclusion in EDI Awards 2024, has joined the DiR Advisory Board. 

Roisin’s passion for fostering inclusivity and driving impactful change aligns perfectly with our mission to create a more inclusive workforce across the retail sector. On joining, Roisin shared: 'Collaboration with other retailers is key to drive impactful change. Together we can be a real force for good and do even more to create a much more inclusive, and indeed successful workforce."

Relive the 2024 Inclusion Summit

Tuesday 5th November saw us hold our biggest Inclusion Summit yet. The range of stories, experiences, and voices of inclusion shared throughout the day was a true source of inspiration.

 We were thrilled to welcome over 700 delegates from across Hospitality, Travel, Leisure and Retail to the Indigo at the O2 Arena, as we explored the theme of 'Measuring the Business Impact of Inclusion'.

 Relive some of the highlights from the day using the link: 2024 Inclusion Summit highlights

WiHTL & DiR celebrates first graduates of Aspiring CFO Programme

We are excited to announce that the first cohort of delegates on our Aspiring CFO Programme have completed the six month initiative, with a graduation ceremony held at the head office of the Programme's sponsor, AlixPartners . 

This is a ground-breaking, cross-industry initiative. It targets high-potential senior leaders from underrepresented groups working within the finance function, in order to support their ambitions to become a CFO. You can read more about it, and find out about the 2025 cohort, using the link: Aspiring CFO Programme - find out more

The WiHTL & DiR 2024 Annual Report

We've released our Annual Report, focused on measuring the impact of equity, diversity and inclusion in HTL and Retail. Featuring in-depth analysis from The MBS Group , it makes for vital and fascinating reading. Request your copy using the link: Request the Annual Report

The Gender Pay Gap in Hospitality, Travel, Leisure & Retail Report 2024

Featuring data from PwC , our Gender Pay Gap report provides insights and practical guidance to help organisations drive change and work towards a fairer future. Request a copy using the link: Request a copy

December Events

11th - Webinar: Were we sold a lie? Can women have it all: how to be a parent and have a successful career 12 - 1pm GMT (register here)

12th - Race & Ethnicity Committee, 2 - 3:30 GMT

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