Farhana Kuddus

Expertise	Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy
Current position & company	Global Director Diversity & Inclusion. Equal Minds
LinkedIn profile	Farhana Kuddus
Key contributions	Spearheaded Disability and Socio-Economic Inclusion across Financial Services and Media, introducing organisations first ever inclusive policies and zero hour contracts (supporting critical/terminal illness). Secured investor funding of £400bn+ through centering ESG movement and DEI Strategy. Taken financial services company senior leadership team from no diversity to 50% gender balance, 30% ethnicity balance, 15% sexual orientation balance across a period of 12 months. Transformed culture of Fintech company with employee satisfaction growth from 2.7 to 9.7 of 10! Supported 200+ Black, Brown and Muslim individuals to advance their careers + successfully navigate wrongful disputes. Delivered global speaking keynote and panels across Europe, Middle East, US, Singapore and UK. A LinkedIn Top Voice and Influencer across DEI, Culture and Leadership.

As a Global Director of Diversity & Inclusion Farhana Kuddus carries more than 15 years experience in building, leading and implementing Diversity & Inclusion strategies. She has worked for organisations across financial services, technology, media & broadcasting and holds non executive board advisor positions providing senior stewardship.

When leading D&I for Sky and Nationwide Building Society she led 35,000 employees across multiple regions towards an environment of inclusion and belonging. Her strategies are innovative and people centred, encompass ESG and reach right across the end to end spectrum.

She is a multi award winning inclusion thought leader, a global speaker, and awards judge, experienced in working with CEO’s to develop a mindset of inclusive leadership, often taking them where they are not yet there. Away from this she offers executive and career coaching and is a powerful supporter of justice and equity.

Her accolades include:

• Baton Awards 2024 “Thought Leader of the Year” (to be announced)
• European Head of Diversity of the Year Finalist 2022
• Top 10 Influential Muslim Europe 2022, 2023, 2024
• Ethnicity Awards “Exceptional Inclusion Leader” 2022
• Global Diversity Leader Top 20
• British Diversity Award x2 Winner 2022
• Fintech Powerlist & Standout Top 35 2022
• European Diversity Award Finalist 2021
• Best at Sky (Product) Winner 2017
• Best at Sky (Inclusive Leader) Winner 2018
• Best at Sky (Financial Innovation) Winner 2019
• Best at Sky Inspirational Role Model & Stellar Performer 2018
• BCS European Product Manager of the Year 2008