Mercer Marsh Benefits’ European regional leader and managing director, Tony Wood, has been named in the OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives List for the fourth consecutive year.
Wood is ranked 64th in the ranking compiled by INvolve in collaboration with Yahoo Finance UK. INvolve is a non-profit professional network for LGBT executives and allies that assists member companies in creating inclusive workplaces. This award honours executives who work to make the workplace more welcoming to LGBT+ employees.
Wood has been the executive sponsor of Mercer’s LGBT+ Pride group in the UK for the past six years and has made significant contributions to the network’s growth and creating an inclusive workplace. During 2020 and 2021, he and the network-assisted Mercer in improving trans healthcare benefits, implementing gender-neutral restrooms, incorporating gender-neutral language, dual photo ID cards, and incorporating pronouns into email signatures.
Wood also facilitated the publication of a guide for Mercer and client employees on expatriate assignments for LGBT+ employees in non-LGBT+ friendly countries. Wood also speaks on LGBT+ issues at events and conferences.
Wood says: “I’m thrilled to be recognised by INvolve in this year’s OUTstanding list, together with so many inspirational executives who play such vital roles in driving workplace diversity and inclusion. I take being a role model seriously and endeavour to use my position to continually raise awareness of the challenges faced by the LGBT+ community. At MMB, we understand the importance of building an inclusive culture where people can be their authentic self and feel supported in all aspects of their working life. We believe diverse teams achieve better outcomes and longer-term success.”
INvolve founder & CEO Suki Sandhu says: “I’m thrilled to be celebrating this trailblazing group of global LGBT+ and Ally Role Models who are championing inclusion and inspiring the next generation of talent. It’s vital that the LGBT+ community can succeed and be authentic in business and beyond, and these Role Models are essential in dismantling barriers to progression and creating opportunities for LGBT+ employees to thrive.”