FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DiNAPOLI REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO DEI INITIATIVES
Files Shareholder Proposals at Tesla, Wells Fargo, Chipotle Mexican Grill & United Health Group
DiNapoli: Diversity is a Competitive Advantage and Inclusion Drives Innovation
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, trustee of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund), today announced various initiatives to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) issues at portfolio companies, including filing shareholder proposals at Tesla Inc., Wells Fargo and Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., and United Health Group Inc. DiNapoli’s actions come as corporate DEI initiatives are under attack, and reports that some companies are scaling back DEI efforts.
“Investors looking at diversity, equity, and inclusion are concerned with how their portfolio companies treat individuals and tackle some of their most complex challenges,” DiNapoli said. “The Fund urges the development of robust DEI strategies because it’s good business. Fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce can enhance innovation, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities, and ultimately lead to improved shareholder value. Including people with different experiences and backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientations, and physical abilities, and empowering them for success should not be controversial.” Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental values of companies with sound, sustainable and profitable long-term strategies. Companies increasingly recognize that fostering a diverse workforce, promoting equity, and ensuring inclusion are critical drivers of business success. Failure to establish robust DEI policies and practices can result in reputational damage, the loss of talent, and stunted innovation.
To read the complete news release, click here
Powered by FlippingBook