Fortune magazine has published a list of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the business world. It includes two trans women
While Fortune has compiled many rankings, it is only now that the first recognition of its kind for LGBTQ+ CEOs, founders and other executives of companies with annual revenues of at least $100 million (more than $2.2 billion) is coming.Two of the most interesting things about the entire list are that it includes "better-than-expected racial diversity," but also that it includes two trans women, namely Sue Nabi, CEO of cosmetics company Coty, and Martine Rothblatt, founder of biotech firm United Therapeutics.
"Representation is important. Today's businesses should reflect who we are and what values we share. Fortune magazine's first list of LGBTQ+ leaders is an indicator of how far we've come, but also a reminder of how much work we still have to do," said Alex Wood Morton, Fortune's executive editor and co-author of the list.
It's also important to note that the list is by no means exhaustive, as many CEOs and executives, while publicly open about their identities, prefer not to connect their personal lives with business because of the potential negative consequences. In many fast-growing economies and superpowers such as Russia and China, such openness in the workplace can be life-threatening.
"If you have the privilege of being a senior leader, you need to use it to speak up for those who are less able, or feel less able, to do so themselves. I have learned that the braver I am, the more courage I gain, and by speaking out I can help others realise that there is a world of opportunity for them too," says Dame Julia Hoggett, the first openly gay CEO of the London Stock Exchange, on the list.
And now, finally, let's take a look at part of the list, namely the first top ten, which, of course, lacks the aforementioned Martine Rothblatt, as she came in at number 11.
1. Tim Cook
Tim Cook has been the CEO of Apple since 2011, taking over from Steve Jobs. In 2014, he became the first openly gay CEO in the Fortune 500, which has contributed significantly to the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in business.
2. Jim Fitterling
Jim Fitterling has led the chemical giant Dow since 2018. He publicly announced his homosexuality in 2014 and is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
3. George Cheeks
George Cheeks is the co-CEO of media and entertainment conglomerate Paramount Global and CEO of CBS Television. As a gay man, he actively supports diversity and inclusion in the media industry and uses his leadership position to advocate for LGBTQ+ representation both in front of and behind the camera.
4. Chris McCarthy
Chris McCarthy oversees brands like MTV, VH1 and Comedy Central under the Paramount Global banner. He is known for his innovative approach to content and support of LGBTQ+ issues in media.
5. Sander van't Noordende
Sander van't Noordende runs the staffing agency Randstad and, as a gay man, strongly advocates for inclusion and diversity in the global workforce.
6. Beth Ford
Beth Ford became the first openly lesbian woman to lead a Fortune 500 company in 2018. She leads Land O'Lakes, a key player in the agriculture and food sector.
7. António Simões
António Simões is the CEO of the British financial group Legal & General. He previously held senior roles in the finance and banking organisation HSBC and is known for his outspokenness on sexuality issues.
8. Stein Erik Hagen
Stein Erik Hagen is a Norwegian businessman and Chairman of Orkla, a major supplier of branded consumer goods. He publicly announced his bisexuality in 2015 and actively supports LGBTQ+ rights in Norway.
9. Sue Nabi
Sue Nabi has been CEO of cosmetics company Coty since 2020 and is the first transgender person to head a global cosmetics company. She has previously successfully led brands such as Lancôme and L'Oréal.
10. Giorgio Armani
Giorgio Armani is an iconic fashion designer who founded his brand in 1975 and has profoundly influenced the fashion world. He is known for his discretion, but his sexual openness and overall work has contributed significantly to the representation of the LGBTQ+ community in the fashion industry.
