HONG KONG – With the goal to champion diversity in the workplace, Ogilvy & Mather (O&M) launched Ogilvy Pride, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) employee network. Ogilvy Pride is composed of a group of consultants that aim to help brands understand and tap into LGBT audiences in the territory.
“First and foremost, this is an employee network for our people. We want to celebrate diversity in the workplace, particularly at a time we are seeing such a shift in social attitudes towards the LGBT community,” said Adam O’Conor, Chief Executive Officer, Ogilvy & Mather Hong Kong. “Last month’s study by the Equal Opportunities Commission on the need for local legislation against LGBT discrimination is a great step forward. And with Ogilvy Pride we also see an important opportunity to help brands connect with the LGBT community – a consumer group that has previously gone unrecognized.”
The launch of Ogilvy Pride coincides with O&M’s sponsorship as Global Content Partner for The Economist’s upcoming Pride & Prejudice conference being held on March 3 in Hong Kong. This 24-hour global event – also being held in London and New York – aims to advance the global discussion on LGBT diversity and inclusion, particularly by focusing on the economic and business costs of LGBT discrimination and the profitable opportunities that lie in overcoming it. Some of the most influential business decision-makers, government policymakers and innovative thinkers from each market will contribute to the debate, including Sir Martin Sorrell, Global CEO of WPP.
Marion McDonald who has been appointed as the Ogilvy Pride representative in Hong Kong, “It’s a natural fit for creative agencies to lead the commercial sector by celebrating and promoting LGBT diversity in the workplace. Companies that can attract, nurture and retain LGBT talent to advance their business aims will draw ahead of their rivals in a tough labour market like Hong Kong that attracts a lot of international talent.”
