This year Mairead led the transformation of Diageo’s parental leave policies globally – offering female employees globally a minimum of 26 weeks fully paid maternity leave. Diageo also set a global minimum standard of four weeks fully paid paternity leave, with a majority of Diageo’s businesses adopting 26 weeks fully paid paternity leave including the UK, North America, Europe, Thailand, Philippines, Colombia and Australia amongst others. The new policy is the latest move to achieve a senior leadership team which is 40% female by 2025 which includes a commitment that 50% of hires to Diageo’s global graduate programme are women. Mairead has worked to galvanise each Managing Director of Diageo’s 21 markets to establish both a diversity and inclusion plan and local goals. Through her ownership of succession planning to the most senior roles she has supported the promotion and acquisition of women into a significant number of critical roles. Today, 44% of Diageo’s Board and 40% of Diageo’s Executive Committee are women. Additionally, Mairead has worked with the Board and their advisors on considering a diverse group of candidates for NED appointments.  Externally, Mairead is a vocal advocate of Diversity and Inclusion in business – speaking at major conferences and putting her support behind key campaigns including the 30% Club, the Race at Work Charter, Free the Bid and Open for Business.