Championing diversity and inclusion
Five colleagues have been recognised in the Empower Role Model Lists , created by the diversity and inclusion global network INvolve, to celebrate role models who are leading by example, championing others and removing obstacles for inclusion.
BAT is proud to be a diverse global organisation that encourages people to value their differences. Across our business, 138 nationalities are represented at management level. We value diversity because it encourages innovation, creativity and different way of thinking – and makes BAT a fascinating place to work.
That is why we are delighted that the Empower Role Model Lists have recognised five exceptional colleagues for their role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and empowering talent from underrepresented ethnic groups.
Each person in the list was nominated by peers and colleagues and scored on the influence of their role, their impact on inclusion inside and outside of the workplace, and their business achievement.
Empower Top 100 Senior Executive Role Models:
Charles Kyalo, Area Operations Director, Sub-Saharan Africa
Charles joined BAT Kenya as a trainee in 2000 and now leads operations across more than 30 countries in Africa. He is a keen advocate of a diverse workforce, with broad experience, that can challenge the status quo to deliver breakthrough results. Outside of work, Charles sponsored the launch of Bangladesh’s first mentorship programs for Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) and Agricultural Science students.
Shay Mustafa, Senior Vice President, Business Communications and Sustainability, Reynolds America
Shay is a transformational leader with over 20 years of experience. She is the Executive Sponsor of the company’s 300+ member African American Employee Resource Group and a driving force behind initiatives such as the African American Leadership Connection to increase minority representation within BAT. Shay is Chair of the Reynolds American Foundation Board was instrumental in the company’s $3 million commitment to support social justice in the US.
Oluwabukunola Olukoga, Senior Human Resources Business Partner, West and Central Africa
Oluwabukunola plays a leadership role in advancing BAT’s people strategy. She is passionate about promoting diversity and inspiring colleagues from diverse cultures through mentorship and workshops. Oluwabukunola led the creation of BAT’s East Africa Persons with Disabilities strategy and is an active member or organisations that promote inclusive and progressive environments in the workplace and wider society.
Empower 100 Future Leaders Role Models:
Rumbi Hondora, Head of Marketing Deployment, East and Southern African Markets
Rumbi has been a strong advocate of diversity in the workplace for over a decade. She is a member of the Women in Trade and Women in BAT networks, coaching and mentoring young female talent. Rumbi is regularly speaks at external events and helps women in trade to build resilience in male-dominated environments.
Adejumoke Peter-Adenuga, Commercial Finance Controller, Nigeria
Adejumoke is committed to promoted fairness and equality and, as a cultural ambassador, has led initiatives to uphold BAT’s core values of freedom through responsibility, speaking up and being heard, and not being marginalised. She pioneered a programme to create safe spaces for employees to share their views and be candid with Senior Managers.
This recognition is a tribute to inspirational work of these individuals and their significant contribution to inclusivity, as we continue to build an engaging, diverse and inclusive culture.
To learn more about Charles, Shay, Oluwabukunola, Rumbi, Adejumoke and their achievements visit the Involve Empower website .
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