May 15-16, 2019 | London

Bloomberg Equality Summit

Equality is the single most important ethical issue businesses today need to face head-on. Creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce – to serve an increasingly diverse consumer base – are also vital to the success of virtually every business operating today.

The Future of Equality

Complementing Bloomberg L.P.’s investment in creating the Gender Equality Index (GEI) – a tool that tracks key elements of gender and equality balance, thus enabling companies to drive accountability around diversity initiatives – we present the Bloomberg Equality Summit, a cross-platform editorial initiative that will bring together business, academic and political leaders as well as nonprofits and activists to discuss the future of equality, how we get there and what is at stake for the economy and society at-large.

Anchored in a full-day conference, the Bloomberg Equality Summit will foster forward-looking conversations and spotlight influential business leaders who are paving the way.

May 15 - Wednesday

4:00 pm

Special Opening Night Reception Registration & Networking

Networking drinks and canapes.
Proudly sponsored by Hyatt. Seating is limited.
Pre-registration is required.

5:00 pm

Welcome Remarks

Speaker:

5:10 pm

Opening Video Address

Speaker:

5:15 pm

Driving Equality Throughout the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth, through its Charter, is committed to inclusiveness. It accords equal voice and status to each of its 53 member countries and works to ensure equal opportunity regardless of gender, race, color, creed, political belief or any other identity. We explore next steps for furthering this global progress on equality.

Moderator:

Speaker:

5:35 pm

The Gender Pay Gap in Football: Aims and Goals

Bloomberg’s acclaimed podcast The Pay Check will host a special episode live on the topic of pay parity and the growing economic opportunity that is women’s football around the world.

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Speakers:

6:10 pm

Presentation: Driving Inclusion Through Mindfulness

Mindfulness presents a different perspective on creating an inclusive culture, tapping into the unconscious and making it more conscious through awareness. We explore how mindfulness, as a practice, helps to foster universal human values.

Presenter:

  • Yves Givel

    Vice President Human Resources – Europe, Africa, Middle East & Southwest Asia, Hyatt Hotels Corporation

6:25 pm

Feminism and Environmentalism: Fighting for Change

Climate change is a man-made problem. Does a feminist solution, which places equality at the heart of looking after the environment, help to ensure a positive future for today’s children?

Moderator:

Speaker:

  • Mary Robinson

    First Female President of Ireland and Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

6:50 pm

Closing Remarks

Speaker:

7:00 pm

Closing Reception

May 16 - Thursday

8:00 am

Registration & Networking Breakfast

8:15 am

Changing Culture from Within

The business case for diversity and inclusion has been clearly established as a strategic asset and driver of innovation and performance, but how can companies challenge stereotypes within their industries, and create a culture that brings together all employees to leverage their best thinking? How do you create new programs for some groups without alienating others? This conversation will focus on what’s working, what’s not, and how leaders can show that diversity is not a zero-sum game.

Proudly sponsored by Willis Towers Watson.

Welcome Remarks:

  • Chantal Free

    Managing Director, Human Capital & Benefits Western Europe, Willis Towers Watson

Moderator:

Speaker:

  • Mike Hughes

    Zone President UK & Ireland, Schneider Electric

9:00 am

Welcome Remarks

Speaker:

9:05 am

Presentation: The Business Case for Diversity and Inclusion in a Global Context

Presenter:

9:15 am

The Challenge of Unifying a Country Divided

Our panel focuses on how to popularize policies that unite rather than divide in an age of divisive social media, political brinkmanship and rising nationalist sentiment.

Moderator:

Speakers:

  • Leah Kreitzman

    Mayoral Director for External and International Affairs, Mayor of London

  • Gina Miller

    Co-Founder, SCM Direct; Transparency Campaigner

  • Gideon Skinner

    Research Director and Head of Political Research, Ipsos MORI Social Research Institute

9:40 am

Protecting Human Rights in an Era of Rising Nationalism

Putting an end to the exploitation of, and sexual violence against, marginalized women.

Moderator:

Speakers:

  • Marchu Girma

    Deputy Director, Women for Refugee Women

  • Arminka Helic

    British Politician, House of Lords International Relations Committee

  • Sanj Srikanthan

    Senior Vice President Europe & Executive Director UK, International Rescue Committee

10:10 am

Presentation: Representation in Business and Promoting New Voices

Presenter:

10:20 am

Networking Break

10:40 am

Using Data to Make a Difference: Compulsory Ethnicity Pay Reporting

In the wake of the new gender pay-reporting initiatives, our panel looks at the benefits of transparency and how this can help to further eliminate pay disparities across business sectors.

Moderator:

Speakers:

11:10 am

Opportunity Knocks: Answering the Call to Combat Socioeconomic Inequality

As the wealth gap between the richest and poorest in society increases exponentially, it can take creativity and a good mentor to catch a break in this hyper-competitive world of business. Reggie and Quintin share their story.

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11:30 am

Driving Equality in Banking and Finance

With more women in charge of capital than ever before, our panel examines how has the landscape for women in leadership changed, and what can be done to encourage diversity in the banking and finance sector.

Moderator:

Speakers:

  • Rachel Lord

    Senior Managing Director, Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa, BlackRock

  • Nicky Morgan

    Member of Parliament for Loughborough, Chair of the Treasury Committee

  • Janet Thomas

    Chief Executive Officer, Intellect Design

12:00 pm

Networking Lunch

1:00 pm

Leading by Example: Placing Merit at the Heart of Progress

As one of the highest-ranking women in global finance, Banco Santander Executive Chairman Ana Botin discusses her approach to diversity and inclusion, and how merit-based policies developed within the company could be successfully scaled elsewhere.

Moderator:

Speaker:

1:20 pm

Leaders on the Front Lines: Bridging the Opportunity Gap

This panel brings together senior leaders of companies who are members of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for a frank discussion on creating the right corporate culture, the progress being made toward gender equality and the challenges that remain.

Moderator:

Speakers:

1:50 pm

Should Brands Take a Stand?

What role should brands and advertising play in social issues? Gillette CEO, Gary Coombe, shares the story of the Best Men Can Be film that sparked a global debate about masculinity and its implications for the role of men in the gender equality movement.

Speaker:

2:00 pm

Advocating Acceptance: Speaking Up for the Transgender Community

As Britain’s most influential transgender couple, Hannah and Jake Graf share their story, offering advice for improving representation across business and greater acceptance in society.

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Speakers:

2:20 pm

Supporting LGBTQ Youth

Homophobia and discrimination are unfortunate realities for a number of young people growing up today across a range of  social backgrounds. Our panel discusses initiatives that are helping individuals to build confidence and achieve happier, more inclusive lives in the face of  adversity.

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2:45 pm

Afternoon Networking Break

3:05 pm

Time to End #Diversish Corporate Inclusion – Why the C-suite Matters

Presenter:

3:15 pm

Putting Disability on the Corporate Diversity Agenda

Caroline Casey, founder of the Valuable 500, sits down with Facebook’s Nicola Mendelsohn to discuss how private-sector corporations can lead the way to unlocking the contributions of people living with disabilities across the world.

Moderator:

Speaker:

3:35 pm

Spotlight on Mental Health: Putting an End to Discrimination

Creating a culture of acceptance that encourages open dialogue on mental health should be the goal of every business. Our panel tackles how to make sure employees across all levels of business feel supported.

Moderator:

Speakers:

4:05 pm

The Impact of Climate Change on Women and Girls in a Changing World

Academy Award-winning actress and activist Patricia Arquette speaks to Bloomberg’s Francine Lacqua on how climate change is affecting women all over the world.

Moderator:

Speaker:

4:30 pm

The Outlook for Gender Equality and the Importance of Conscious Capitalism

Critically-acclaimed actress Michelle Rodriguez sits down with Bloomberg’s Jackie Simmons for a wide-ranging conversation on driving gender equality in entertainment, business and the importance of conscious capitalism.

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Speaker:

4:50 pm

Debate Mate Debate: This House Believes That Education is the Most Important Factor in Achieving a Diverse Business Environment

We close with a live debate on education’s role in furthering diversity, hosted by Debate Mate, and special guests. This Debate Mate debate is in keeping with the organization’s overall mission to help U.K. students use debate to gain confidence and improve their higher education and future career prospects.

Chair:

Proposition:

Opposition:

  • John Allan

    Chairman of Tesco plc, Barratt Developments plc and President of the CBI

  • Ella Cox

    Debate Mate Student

  • Lewis Iwu

    CEO and Co-Founder, Purpose Union

5:30 pm

Closing Remarks

Speaker:

5:35 pm

Closing Cocktail Reception

Speakers

John Allan

Chairman of Tesco plc, Barratt Developments plc and President of the CBI

Patricia Arquette

Actress and Activist

Nicolas Aubert

Head of Great Britain Willis Towers Watson

Kim Azzarelli

Co-Founder Seneca Women

Kiersten Barnet

Global Head Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index

Ana Botín

Executive Chairman Banco Santander

Ann Cairns

Executive Vice Chairman Mastercard

Caroline Casey

Founder The Valuable 500, #valuable

Richard Chapman-Harris

Head of Inclusion and Responsibility Mott MacDonald

Gary Coombe

President, Global Grooming P&G

Ella Cox

Debate Mate Student

James Currell

President, Northern and Eastern Europe Viacom International Media Networks

Anna Edwards

Anchor Bloomberg Television

Paul Farmer

Chief Executive Mind

Stephanie Flanders

Senior Executive Editor for Economics Bloomberg

Chantal Free

Managing Director, Human Capital & Benefits Western Europe Willis Towers Watson

Marchu Girma

Deputy Director Women for Refugee Women

Yves Givel

Vice President Human Resources – Europe, Africa, Middle East & Southwest Asia Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hannah Graf

Captain British Army

Jake Graf

Writer, Filmmaker and Actor

Susie Green

Chief Executive Officer Mermaids

Rebecca Greenfield

Reporter Bloomberg

Arminka Helic

British Politician House of Lords International Relations Committee

Mark Hoplamazian

President and Chief Executive Officer Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Mike Hughes

Zone President UK & Ireland Schneider Electric

Pamela Hutchinson

Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion Bloomberg L.P.

Lewis Iwu

CEO and Co-Founder Purpose Union

Sandra Kerr

Race Equality Director Business in the Community

Leah Kreitzman

Mayoral Director for External and International Affairs Mayor of London

Francine Lacqua

Anchor Bloomberg Television

Neil Laybourn

Founder This Can Happen

Rachel Lord

Senior Managing Director, Head of Europe, Middle East and Africa BlackRock

Nicola Mendelsohn

Vice President Facebook EMEA

John Micklethwait

Editor-in-Chief Bloomberg

Gina Miller

Co-Founder SCM Direct; Transparency Campaigner

Mark Miller

Global Editor Bloomberg Live

Pauline Miller

Head of Talent Development and Inclusion Lloyd’s Corporation

Nicky Morgan

Member of Parliament for Loughborough, Chair of the Treasury Committee

Dame Helena Morrissey

Head of Personal Investing Legal and General Investment Management

Reggie Nelson

Graduate Analyst Legal and General Investment Management

Adebayo Odusola

Executive Programme Director Debate Mate

Ndidi Okezie

Director of Digital and Customer Voice Strategy Pearson

Marc Perrier

TOPLive Blog Editor Bloomberg

Quintin Price

Chair Actis

Zoey Ribbons

Young Ambassador Albert Kennedy Trust

Mary Robinson

First Female President of Ireland and Former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Michelle Rodriguez

Actress

Rushma

Debate Mate Student

The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland QC

Secretary-General of the Commonwealth

Tim Sigsworth

Chief Executive Officer Albert Kennedy Trust

Jackie Simmons

Senior Executive Editor, Americas Bloomberg

Kelly Simmons

Director of Women's Professional Game The FA

Kelly Smith

Former England International and Arsenal Football Player

Gideon Skinner

Research Director and Head of Political Research Ipsos MORI Social Research Institute

Sanj Srikanthan

Senior Vice President Europe & Executive Director UK International Rescue Committee

Janet Thomas

Chief Executive Officer Intellect Design

Lenah Ueltzen-Gabell

Managing Director, Europe and Middle East Wasserman

Ambassador Melanne Verveer

Co-Founder and Chair Seneca Women

Jasmine Whitbread

Independent Non-Executive Director Standard Chartered

Founding Sponsor

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide.

Supporting Sponsors

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 19 premier brands. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s portfolio included more than 850 properties in 60 countries across six continents. The Company’s purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to attract and retain top colleagues, build relationships with guests and create value for shareholders. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, vacation ownership properties, and fitness and spa locations, including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, Joie de Vivre®, tommie™, Hyatt Residence Club® and Exhale® brand names, and operates the World of Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued members.

We are a leading international banking group, with a presence in more than 60 of the world’s most dynamic markets. Our purpose is to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, and our heritage and values are expressed in our brand promise, Here for good. Standard Chartered PLC is listed on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges as well as the Bombay and National Stock Exchanges in India.

Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has more than 40,000 employees serving more than 140 countries.

We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential.