Male equals female concept with businessman hand holding against blackboard background

Ecolab Inc. was recognized as a 2019 Corporate Champion by the Women’s Forum of New York for the company’s progress in driving gender parity on its board of directors.

“We recognize the strategic advantage of a gender-diverse board as we continue our work in building a more diverse and inclusive workplace,” says Ecolab Chairman and CEO Douglas M. Baker, Jr.,  according to a press release. “When we bring in diverse perspectives and experiences on our board – and on all of our teams – together we’ll make better decisions that fuel greater innovation, stronger performance and faster growth in the future.”

As part of its ongoing commitment to increasing diversity and promoting an inclusive culture, Ecolab’s board governs the company’s diversity and inclusion strategy and reviews diversity progress on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the company’s Executive D&I (diversity and inclusion) Council and other top leaders review progress for their respective businesses, functions, markets and regions monthly, with growing emphasis on taking specific action to drive improvement and engagement across teams. 

In addition, Ecolab’s large and thriving community of employee resource groups (ERGs) promote inclusion through programming, events and learning and development opportunities for employees. With 25 percent growth in global membership in 2018 and strong sponsorship from Executive D&I Council members, Ecolab’s ERGs are growing their impact with employees while driving progress for the company.

Of Ecolab’s 13 board members, five are women: Shari L. Ballard, Barbara J. Beck, Tracy B. McKibben, Victoria J. Reich and Suzanne M. Vautrinot.