LGBTQ+ C-Suite Executives set inspiring examples in top corporate leadership positions globally. As Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) issues continue to spring to the fore in the world of work, these role models help make workplaces less toxic and more empowering spaces for all.

While June is Pride Month and a time that casts a particular spotlight on these issues, the truth is it’s something we should be considering and aware of at all times, whether as business owners or employees.

We must all strive to ensure those we work with feel comfortable, included, and empowered.

Big corporates with proudly gay CEOs and top C-suite leaders

Some of the best-known, openly gay Chief Executive Officers who serve as powerful role models for younger members of the LGBTQ+ community include:

1. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc.
As the leader of the first company in the world to be worth $1 trillion, Tim Cook is a prime example of a corporate leader who uses his position to promote LGBTQ+ rights. Cook, who succeeded Steve Jobs as Apple CEO in 2011 and came out in 2014, believes there is still a lot of work to be done to truly empower and integrate LGBTQ+ youth into business, as well as society at large. Cook was the first openly gay top executive of a Fortune 500 company.

2. Sally Susman, Executive VP, and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Pfizer

Susman joined pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer in 2007, after having already made her name at other big-hitting corporates including American Express and Estée Lauder, as well as a stint at the U.S. Department of Commerce. She is on record as having described “being fully out, both personally and professionally”—as the most productive thing she’s ever done.

Under her leadership, Pfizer has also been at the forefront of developing one of the leading Covid-19 vaccines in record time - no small achievement!

3. Beth Ford, CEO Land O’Lakes

As Chief Executive Officer of one of America’s premier agribusiness and food companies, Ford is the first openly gay female CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Land O'Lakes more than tripled its net earnings in the first quarter of 2021 to $136 million, compared to $37 million in 2020, and business is clearly booming under her leadership.

In 2020, Ford was listed in Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women List” for the third time. She places immense value on living an authentic life and is extremely proud to serve as a gay role model.

How powerful LGBTQ+ C-Suite Executives help inspire systemic change

  • Proudly and unapologetically gay corporate leaders, who lead global teams and employ thousands of people, help younger generations realize they stand a chance to lead authentic and successful lives themselves.
  • They can also use their positions to advocate for change, encourage and enforce true inclusion, and source funding for initiatives that help empower the LGBTQ+ community. The world of work needs leaders like these because they help us all to be better and do better, one way or another.

Read more about female LGBTQ+ execs leading at Fortune 500 companies in 2021 here.