Seven Partner Companies signed the CEO Gender Equity Pledge in Budapest
At the recent Conference in Budapest, seven Partner companies took a major step towards gender equality by signing the LEAD Network CEO Gender Parity Pledge. Attended by LEAD Network’s CEO, Allyson Zimmermann, the pledge sets a bold goal: to elevate the Gender Diversity Scorecard in the Consumer Packaged Goods and Retail industry from 37% to 42% by 2027. This pledge represents more than words—it's a commitment to measurable impact and actionable change.
With over 50 industry leaders already supporting this initiative, LEAD Network is urging more CEOs, both within partner companies and across the industry, to join this mission.
Industry Leaders Speak Out on the Importance of Gender Equity (*)
Asahi Europe & International’s (AEI) CEO, Paolo Lanzarotti, expressed his pride in signing the pledge, stating, “At AEI, we are determined to create a business as diverse as the world around us... We remain focused on achieving gender parity in management and our senior executive team by 2030.”
Dreher Breweries’ Managing Director, Mike James, highlighted their ongoing efforts since joining the pledge in 2021. “We established a DE&I Committee, launched new training programs for all employees, and introduced new rules. These are just the beginning,” said James.
Emilie Darolles, Regional President of NIQ Western Europe, emphasized the business value of diversity. “Renewing the CEO Pledge is both a logical choice and a great honor as we continue to set milestones for diversity and inclusion,” she shared.
Derek O'Donnell from CHEP Europe reflected on the importance of career opportunities for women, noting, “Our partnership with the LEAD Network allows us to stimulate and contribute to the wider industry drive to advance women in their careers.”
Milena Dragijska-Dencheva, CEO of Lidl Bulgaria, highlighted Eastern Europe’s key role in DEI, saying, “Retail and FMCG are natural leaders in promoting DEI values, with Eastern Europe driving improvements across all levels of the supply chain.”
David Russell, of PA Consulting, affirmed his commitment to tangible action, saying, “Diversity drives ingenuity and business performance... I am delighted to join the growing number of CPG leaders taking action.”
Cecile Beliot, CEO of Bel Group, shared a personal perspective on diversity, stating, “Today, as I signed the LEAD Network CEO Pledge, I reflected on the many times I’ve faced this topic in my own career. These experiences fuel my commitment to drive real change at Bel.”
We thank all signatories for their dedication to gender equality. With their commitment, the retail and consumer goods industry is poised to advance gender equity, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.
(*)In the photo from left to write