LV= chief executive David Hynam (pictured) has been named the top “Outstanding Executives Role Model” worldwide by INvolve, an inclusive culture advocacy group, recognising his support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the business world.
Hynam, who launched his career in finance after growing up in South Wales, has spent over 30 years in leadership, prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. He is credited with driving efforts to foster inclusivity at LV=, one of the UK’s major life and pensions mutual insurers, where his initiatives have supported LGBTQ+ employees, along with individuals of other protected characteristics.
Through his role, Hynam has initiated several key programs, including a network of LGBTQ+ allies within LV= and gender-neutral recruitment communications, which have helped increase diversity within traditionally male-dominated fields. Under his leadership, LV= has joined the Race at Work Charter, achieved Disability Confident Employer status, and earned recognition for its advancements in gender equity. These initiatives are part of a broader commitment to creating an environment where employees feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work, a news release highlighted.
“I am truly grateful to find myself leading this year’s Outstanding Global LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model list,” Hynam said. “Visible representation is important, and when I started my career over three decades ago, there were almost no openly gay senior leaders in business. Encouraging others to become better allies and empowering colleagues can lead to great results. Everyone has the power to create some change for good.”
Beyond LV=, Hynam shares his experiences and insights through industry conferences and workshops, aiming to inspire leaders across the business community to embrace inclusive practices. This dedication to advocacy was further highlighted by his recent inclusion on Fortune.com’s inaugural Fortune LGBTQ+ Leaders list.
The Outstanding Role Model Lists, managed by INvolve and supported by YouTube, aim to highlight executives and advocates making substantial strides toward global LGBTQ+ inclusion. Suki Sandhu OBE, INvolve’s founder and CEO, praised the honorees as “trailblazers” driving “impactful initiatives and strategic change within their organisations and across wider society.”
The 2024 Outstanding Role Model list celebrates Hynam as the top executive alongside Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, and David Furnish, CEO and chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, who secured the second and third spots, respectively.
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