Private equity still has a long way to go on diversity, equity and inclusion, but the industry is paying more attention than ever before. After much evidence that diversity generates better decisions – and higher returns – many firms are revamping their processes so they can recruit and retain more diverse teams. Some are tying executive pay and employee bonuses to DEI goals. As PE firms strive to do more than just talk about DEI, Mergers & Acquisitions is launching a new list recognizing individuals who are leading the way on inclusivity. The 14 pioneers honored here share their strategies. Links to the Q&As are below. Congratulations to:
Willie Woods, Founder, President, Managing Director, ICV Partners
Suzanne Yoon, Founder, Managing Partner, Kinzie Capital
José E. Feliciano, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, Clearlake Capital Group
Dipanjan (DJ) Deb, Founding Partner, CEO, Francisco Partners
Frank Baker, Co-Founder, Managing Partner, Siris Capital Group
Kara Helander, Managing Director, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Carlyle Group
Verdun Perry, Global Head of Blackstone Strategic Partners, Blackstone
Jonathan Simon, Global Head of Leadership Development & Diversity, Apollo Global Management
Suzanne Donohoe, Partner, Global Head of Strategic Growth Co-Chair, Inclusion and Diversity Council, KKR & Co.
Khalida Ali, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Vista Equity Partners
Jordana Semaan, Head of HR Gulf and Asia, Diversity and Inclusion Champion, Investcorp
Melissa Mounce, Managing Director, Leadership Talent and Diversity, GTCR
Eugenie Cesar-Fabian, Partner, Head of ESG & Sustainability, Palladium Equity Partners
Candice Richards, Managing Director, Head of ESG and Compliance Officer, MidOcean Partners
Demitri Diakantonis, Brandon Zero and John Melendez contributed to this report.