David Hynam, CEO of LV= has been named the top Outstanding Executives Role Model in the world by public participation charity Involve UK for his advocacy and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hynam (pictured) has spent more than 25 years in financial services leadership positions, predominantly within the protection and health insurance sectors.
His previous positions include Axa group COO and managing director of Axa UK Life, Friends Life UK CEO, and Bupa Global and UK CEO.
The Outstanding Role Model Lists run by Involve showcase exceptional contributions of business leaders to increase representation and drive inclusion for others within the workplace.
LV= said Hynam’s career had been dedicated to creating inclusive business environments that embrace diversity.
He spearheads diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices shaped around the importance of giving LGBTQ+ communities and others with protected characteristics an equal voice, the insurer said.
This includes driving a commitment to positive culture change that encourages colleagues to be fully themselves at work.
“Under his leadership LV= has developed a network of LGBTQ+ allies, supported diversity and inclusion initiatives in the wider community and instigated a gender-neutral approach to recruitment communications, resulting in increased diversity in traditionally male-dominated sectors,“ the mutual said.
It has also joined the Race at Work Charter and become a Disability Confident Employer while Hynam supports business leaders across the industry by sharing learnings through workshops and conferences.
Hynam said: “I am truly grateful to find myself leading this year’s Outstanding Global LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model list.
“I’m a firm believer that visible representation is important, and when I started my career over three decades ago, there were almost no openly gay senior leaders in business.
“Since then, I’ve made it a priority to put inclusion on the agenda in each business I’ve led.
“Encouraging others to become better allies and empowering colleagues can lead to great results. Everyone has the power to create some change for good.”
Suki Sandhu, CEO and founder of Involve said: “LGBTQ+ and advocate role models remain vital for driving tangible, long term inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals across the world.
“The individuals featured within the Outstanding Role Model Lists are all trailblazers who are driving impactful initiatives and strategic change within their organisations and across wider society.
“I am so thrilled to be able to showcase and celebrate their achievements through this year’s Outstanding Role Model Lists, and I look forward to seeing the continued positive impact these role models will make for global LGBTQ+ inclusion.”
