Kearney bolsters diversity leadership with Neil Griffiths hire

Following a decade with a leading sustainability consultancy, Neil Griffiths has joined Kearney as its new diversity, equity and inclusion director. The role will see him shape and implement the firm’s global strategy in alignment with Kearney’s existing diversity goals.

Geir Olsen, Kearney’s head of Europe, commented, “Neil’s experience in DEI and wider culture/change programs, which spans more than two decades, will be key in progressing our European diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy. However, his passion in advocating for DEI change where it’s needed it just as valuable for guiding our client and employee relationships, and the communities in which we operate, across Europe.”

Kearney is a leading global management consulting firm, which works with C-suites clients, government bodies, and non-profit organisations around the world. In the coming months, Griffiths will head up Kearney’s global and European efforts to boost inclusivity at the form – collaborating with the leadership and stakeholders of the organisation in the process.

Griffiths joins Kearney after 10 years at ESG consultancy ERM, where he most recently served as the firm’s global DEI leader. He was also previously the director of brand and strategy at global engineering firm SNC-Lavalin – and has held a number of volunteer leadership roles with organisations like the International Association of Business Communicators and the Company of Communicators; two DEI well-known task forces within the communication field.

Speaking on his new role, Griffiths said, “In 2023, DEI is about building resilient organisations; those who are getting this right are unlocking immense value from the people inside their business who feel safe, supported and able to thrive. I’m delighted to be joining the fantastic Kearney team and building on existing initiatives to help shape the next iteration of Kearney’s DEI strategy.”

Diversity and inclusion work stands at a crossroads in the UK, and further afield. While businesses have made slow progress when it comes to helping staff improve their lot at the firm, the average board room overestimates its diversity performance while remaining ‘white, male and stale’. At the same time, many employees feel uncomfortable with being open about their identities at work and still feel excluded from important new aspects of operations.

Kearney’s own International Women’s Day reseashutrch found that only 48% of women in senior roles said they would be able to raise suggestions and issues at the board level. Looking ahead, Griffiths will lead the Kearney team to ensure that the firm is driving progress to overcome these barriers, for all less represented identities, within the company and the communities where it works.

In his role with Kearney, Griffiths aims to ensure DEI is further integrated into all aspects of the employee life cycle at the consultancy, including recruitment, development, and retention. He will also collaborate to ensure DEI efforts are effectively communicated to employees, clients, and the public. In particular, this will see him support and further encourage the different affinity networks already in place at Kearney, which serve to create belonging within the firm.

Mirja Telzerow, Kearney’s director for European human resources, concluded, “Inclusion isn't just about opening doors for diversity; it's about creating a company where every voice is heard, valued, and celebrated, paving the path to innovation and success. It necessitates a comprehensive approach, and we are fortunate to have Neil now on our team, driving these efforts forward with experience and unwavering commitment.”