Satvir Bungar (BDO) named global role model for diversity & inclusion

28 July 2026 Consultancy.uk

Satvir Bungar, national head of business services at BDO, has been named to the global Empower Role Model list. With more than a quarter-century of experience in the professional services sector, this is the sixth consecutive year Bungar has been named.

The Empower Role Model list is an annual global ranking, supported by YouTube, that celebrates business leaders who are driving inclusion and breaking down barriers in the workplace, particularly for people of colour and other underrepresented groups.

Commenting on the recognition, Bungar said, “I grew up in a working-class family in the Black Country in the West Midlands. I didn’t have any Asian figureheads I could aspire to, so I quickly developed my own sense of grit and purpose. Throughout my career that’s stayed with me but being recognised as a role model in my own right is such a privilege.”

Based in the Midlands, Bungar boasts over 25 years of leadership experience across the financial and professional services sectors and is a passionate advocate for diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace.

At BDO in particular, Bungar serves as the partner sponsor for its employee-led network dedicated to minority ethnic groups, CEDAR. Beyond the firm, he also dedicates his time to working with professional bodies, businesses and community organisations to help drive meaningful change within society – and has even participated in discussions on grassroots DEI behaviours at 10 Downing Street.

Throughout his career, he has spoken at high-profile events such as the ICAEW Annual Conference, as well as contributing to their new online Sustainability Accelerator Programme, designed to support individuals within the sector improve their social performance.

Bungar added, “It’s so important for others to see visible role models and have ‘someone like me’ they can look up to. Inclusion, belonging and wellbeing in the workplace is for everyone – each of us must feel valued, heard and empowered.”

In recognition of Bungar’s success, Sarah Hillary, partner sponsor for inclusion and belonging at BDO, remarked, “This global recognition is truly well deserved and I’m immensely proud of Satvir and his many achievements and accolades throughout his career. The work Satvir is doing in this space represents something we should all aspire to be; inclusive, passionate and committed to driving positive change for all.”