7 June 2021

Konica Minolta to celebrate Pride Month 2021 with a global virtual event on ‘Unlocking the power of diversity through authenticity and allyship’

Konica Minolta will be welcoming speakers from the LGBTQ+ Community to a virtual event on 10th June in celebration of Pride Month 2021. With the theme of ‘Unlocking the power of diversity through authenticity and allyship’, this important event is part of the company’s Global Programme to promote Diversity and Inclusion.

The virtual event is open to all employees across the globe. It will explore and discuss how authenticity, empathy and allyship within the workplace can support and build an inclusive culture. This inclusive culture can then positively impact both individual and business performance. Speakers and panellists will provide insight into best practice from the UK, Europe, and Australia, where Konica Minolta has established LGBTQ+ Employee Network Groups and a host of other local initiatives.

Reflecting upon the event and the wider Pride Month celebrations, Gemma Lee, Chief People Officer at Konica Minolta Business Solutions (UK) Ltd commented, “We are excited to be taking part in this virtual event and to be actively supporting Pride Month. We have a ‘Vibrant’ LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), which like all our ERGs actively promotes the voice of our employees, their sense of belonging and an inclusive environment for all. Konica Minolta has a proud heritage of promoting and supporting the many different cultures and lifestyles that enrich our team. This celebratory event perfectly encapsulates the inclusivity that is at the very heart of our business.”   

The virtual event will be chaired by Shoei-Yamana, President and CEO at Konica Minolta Inc, and will include input from a panel including:

• Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett - ENEI, Global & UK Relationship & Membership Development Manager, 
• Sam Clegg - Talent Acquisition Partner and Vibrant (European LGBTQ+ Employee Network Group) Co-Lead, 
• Amy Milner - Professional Skills Development Lead in the UK and Vibrant (European LGBTQ+ Employee Network Group) Co-Lead
• Mark Ash - Chief Revenue Officer for Konica Minolta in the UK
• Jaromir Sponar - World-wide Microsoft Partnership Program Lead, European Microsoft Business Partner for Europe
• Andrew Olliver-Jones - Office Skills Development Lead for the UK

Gemma Lee added, “Events such as this are vitally important in demonstrating our sense of community. We hosted a similar event in March to celebrate International Women’s Day, which embraced the same ethos. We’re very aware that to attract and retain the best talent as well as ensure our business continues to evolve, grow and thrive, we need to ensure we nurture an inclusive culture but also give our employees a forum to be heard, to listen and to learn.”

For more information on Konica Minolta please visit: www.konicaminolta.co.uk