Industria
LGBTQ+ Representation At Top Has Increased But Under Threat Amid Backlash and Reversal of LGBTQ+ Rights
These numbers highlight a persistent gap at the highest levels of corporate leadership. CEOs shape company culture, strategy, and decisions on whether diversity and inclusion remain a priority. Yet, even as representation improves across broader leadership roles, the concentration of power at CEO level still does not reflect the communities these companies serve.
This comes at a time when businesses face economic uncertainty, political hostility toward LGBTQ+ rights, and growing resistance to DEI initiatives. The removal of inclusion initiatives and targeted talent development programs risks reversing hard-won progress and narrowing the pipeline for future LGBTQ+ leaders.
The release of INvolve's annual Outstanding Role Model Lists, supported by YouTube, shines a spotlight on those leaders and advocates who are breaking barriers and championing equity for LGBTQ+ individuals in global business.
This year's top Outstanding Role Models include:
Top Outstanding Executives 2025
CEO, Rocket Entertainment Group
U.S. Head of Legal, Shell
Global Head of Technology, Google.org
VP, Commissioning Editor Unscripted Original Content, Paramount | Channel 5
Founder & President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Executive Vice President, Sustainability, Mastercard
Top Outstanding Advocates 2025
CEO, easyJet
Executive Director, Membership and Customer Excellence, The Hong Kong Jockey Club
CEO, Elton John AIDS Foundation
Former Group Chief Operating Officer, NatWest Group
Partner, KPMG
Top Outstanding Future Leaders 2025
North America Strategy Leader, Dow
Public Relations, Amazon
Legal Director, PepsiCo Inc
Senior Manager, Market & Cultural Intelligence, Paramount
Regional Gender and Development Officer, Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office
The full Outstanding Role Model Lists can be found here on Wednesday 12 November 2025 : https://outstanding.involverolemodels.org/
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