David Hynam, LV= chief executive, has been named the number one ‘Outstanding Executives Role Model’ in the world by inclusive culture specialists, INvolve, for his advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Across his three-decade leadership career in financial services, Hynam has been dedicated to creating inclusive business environments that embrace diversity.
He spearheads Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices shaped around the importance of giving LGBTQ+ communities and others with protected characteristics an equal voice.
In his current role at LV=, Hynam has driven a commitment to positive culture change that encourages colleagues to be fully themselves at work.
ALLIES
Under his leadership, the mutual has developed a network of LGBTQ+ allies, supported diversity and inclusion initiatives in the wider community and instigated a gender-neutral approach to recruitment communications, resulting in increased diversity in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
As part of creating an inclusive culture, the organisation has also joined the Race at Work Charter, become a Disability Confident Employer, and received awards for its work in gender equity.
Hynam continues to support business leaders across the industry by sharing learnings through workshops and conferences.
ADVOCACY
His LGBTQ+ advocacy was recognised further recently by Fortune.com, when he was selected for its first Fortune LGBTQ+ Leaders list.
“when I started my career over three decades ago, there were almost no openly gay senior leaders in business”
Hynam said: “I am truly grateful to find myself leading this year’s Outstanding Global LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model list.
“I’m a firm believer that visible representation is important, and when I started my career over three decades ago, there were almost no openly gay senior leaders in business.
“Since then, I’ve made it a priority to put inclusion on the agenda in each business I’ve led.
“Encouraging others to become better allies and empowering colleagues can lead to great results. Everyone has the power to create some change for good.”
Suki Sandhu, INvolve’s founder and CEO, added: “LGBTQ+ and advocate Role Models remain vital for driving tangible, long term inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals across the world.
“The individuals featured within the Outstanding Role Model Lists, supported by YouTube, are all trailblazers who are driving impactful initiatives and strategic change within their organisations and across wider society.
“I am so thrilled to be able to showcase and celebrate their achievements through this year’s Outstanding Role Model Lists, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact these role models will make for global LGBTQ+ inclusion.”
