Diageo Recognized by Human Rights Campaign as 'Best Place to Work' for Third Consecutive Year

NORWALK, Conn., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company, is pleased to announce that, once again, the company has earned 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 a perfect score of 100 for the third year in a row, Diageo was again recognized 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.

"At Diageo, it is our mission to maintain a diverse and inclusive environment, and our recognition from the Human Rights Campaign for the third year running demonstrates that we have been successful in cultivating an environment in which our employees feel free to be who they are," said Ivan Menezes, President and CEO, Diageo North America.  "As a company, we strive to make our employees feel comfortable, with any kind of background or lifestyle. We celebrate all of our people here at Diageo, and we continue to consciously aim to build a culture reflective of that intention."

In addition to actively honoring cultural heritage months throughout the year, Diageo has been recognized for its Diversity Council and employee resource groups (ERGs).  Diageo's Rainbow Network was one of the first ERGs at the company and remains one of its most active.

"As an employee, I experience Diageo's commitment to diversity every day," said Neil Tallantire who leads Diageo's Rainbow Network alongside his day job as Senior Vice President of Innovation.  "Seeing so much support for Diageo's Rainbow Network across the organization – and so much passion amongst its members – exemplifies the energy that we all put towards surmounting the challenges of the GLBT community. I am very proud to be a part of a company that grants me the opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of my colleagues."  

The energy of Diageo's Rainbow Network has a global reach, with active chapters in Diageo's London and Amsterdam offices.

Each year, the CEI provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large US employers and their policies and practices pertinent to GLBT employees, consumers and investors.  

Diageo achieved perfect marks in the following categories:

• Non-discrimination policy, diversity training – sexual orientation;
• Non-discrimination policy, diversity training – gender identity or expression;
• Partner benefits;
• GLBT employee resource group/diversity council;
• Engages in appropriate and respectful advertising and marketing or sponsors GLBT community events or organizations; and
• Employer exhibits responsible behaviour toward the GLBT community; does not engage in action that would undermine GLBT equality.

Diageo's CEI scores again earn spots for several of its brands in the highest "buy" category within the annual HRC Buying Guide. Based on the company's support of its GLBT employees and community, the Guide recommends Diageo brands to GLBT consumers. The 2010 version will be released in November.

Diageo has a long history of supporting the Human Rights Campaign.  In particular, Diageo's Beaulieu Vineyard has been a sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign for over a decade and a "National Partner" for the last six years.

About HRC Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.  By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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 Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo