NORWALK, Conn., March 1, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, has joined the growing number of organizations pledging to significantly advance inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Diageo North America is the first beverage alcohol company to make such a commitment. Deirdre Mahlan joins more than 350 of her peers in pledging herself and Diageo to take action to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. The collective of more than 350 signatories have already shared almost 350 best-known actions, exchanging tangible learning opportunities and creating collaborative conversations via the initiative's unified hub, CEOAction.com.

 (PRNewsfoto/Diageo plc)

"Inclusion is a core value at Diageo. It is also a choice. Our efforts toward inclusion and diversity have a direct impact on our performance," said Deirdre Mahlan, President of Diageo North America. "The range of backgrounds, skills and capabilities in each of the 180 countries where we operate create a workplace where our diverse thinking and styles can thrive. At Diageo, we believe in celebrating life every day, everywhere and for everyone."

CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is cultivating a new type of networking environment centered on collaboration and sharing. The addition of new signatories expands the impact of this work beyond the office to communities and industries.

"We are so proud that we are continuing to build momentum and support for the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ across companies, industries, and regions," said Tim Ryan, U.S. Chairman and Senior Partner of PwC and chair of the steering committee for the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™. "With each and every new organization signing on, we have the opportunity to put our commitments into action by working together to improve diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and communities."

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™

CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Bringing together more than 350 CEOs and presidents of America's leading businesses, academic institutions and nonprofits, the commitment outlines actions that participating organizations pledge to take to cultivate a workplace where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, employees feel comfortable and encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion, and where best known—and unsuccessful—actions can be shared across organizations. Learn more at CEOAction.com and connect with us on Facebook: CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion and Twitter: @CEOAction.

Andrew Turner, Diageo 
203.229.4339

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SOURCE Diageo North America