Inclusive culture experts Involve have named David Hynam, chief executive at LV=, the top ‘Outstanding Executives Role Model’ for his advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hynam grew up in South Wales, taking up a career in finance that now spans three decades. As a leader in the finance industry he has been dedicated to creating inclusive business environments that embrace diversity, Involve said.
The list celebrates his work promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices that give LGBTQ+ communities, and others with protected characteristics, an equal voice.
LGBTQ+ allies
During Hynam’s tenure at LV=, the employer has developed a network of LGBTQ+ allies and supported diversity and inclusion initiatives in the wider community. The employer also launched a gender-neutral approach to recruitment communications. These efforts have resulted in increased diversity in what is a traditionally male-dominated sector.
Hynam supports business leaders across the finance industry by sharing learnings through workshops and conferences.
In addition to his work that supports greater DEI across the sector, LV= has also joined the Race at Work Charter, become a Disability Confident Employer, and received awards for its work in gender equity.
His LGBTQ+ advocacy was recently recognised by Fortune.com when he was selected for their first Fortune LGBTQ+ Leaders list.
Hynam said: “I am truly grateful to find myself leading this year’s Outstanding Global LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model list.”
‘Representation is important’
He continued: “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.”
The Outstanding Role Model List run by Involve and supported by YouTube, showcases the exceptional contributions of business leaders to increase representation and drive inclusion for others within the workplace.
Suki Sandhu OBE, Involve’s founder and CEO, said: “LGBTQ+ and advocate role models remain vital for driving tangible, long term inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals across the world.
“The individuals featured within the list 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.”
