Business leaders attend ‘Out on the Street’ LGBT leadership summit

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a pink background.

Business leaders from across Europe are today attending the third-annual ‘Out on the Street’ LGBT summit in London.

The event is currently taking place at the London offices of Deutsche Bank, and is hosted by the bank’s CEO Colin Grassie.

It brings together LGBT business leaders and allies in one of the biggest diversity events of its kind.

Mr Grassie said: “We want to foster a workplace and a society where talents and contributions are respected and opportunities to succeed are provided regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Today’s event marks another milestone on this journey and it is a privilege for Deutsche Bank to host.”

Out on the Street founder Todd Sears launched a research initiative called the Ally Marketplace at the event, which will look at the market impact of LGBT allies.

Mr Sears said: “We believe that the Ally Marketplace represents a significant opportunity for businesses to increase their Return On Equality, and that fostering dialogue between senior LGBT and Ally business leaders is one way we can prepare our 55 member firms to seize it.

“Our members understand that developing LGBT talent and advancing equality creates business opportunity.

“We’re pleased that our distinguished guests from the regulatory agencies further demonstrate that promoting LGBT inclusion can help satisfy governmental expectations.”

Speakers at the event include Antonio Simoes, the UK CEO of HSBC, Irene Dorner, the former President of HSBC USA, Netherlands Human Rights Ambassador Kees van Baar, and Conservative peer Baroness Noakes.