Diversity and Inclusion at Heinz

Heinz believes that diversity and inclusion improve corporate performance, increase innovation and reduce turnover while improving retention and employee morale. We believe that diversity is vital to attract world-class talent and remain competitive in a global economy.

The Heinz Inclusion Council is a cross-functional team of employees from World Headquarters and Heinz North America Headquarters that meets quarterly to lead, coordinate and monitor Heinz’s strategic diversity management process. The Council’s mission is to create an inclusive culture to attract, develop and retain superior talent and leverage diversity to improve Heinz’s culture, image, employee satisfaction and business results.

In addition to acting as stewards of Heinz’s diversity mission and goals, Council members work cross-functionally in the areas of Education and Training, Talent Recruitment, Supplier Diversity, Work Practices and Communications in order to continually reinforce the Company’s commitment to create a competitive advantage through diversity and inclusion.

heinz diverse group

The Council’s goals are:

  • Reflect diversity in our workforce
  • Educate and train all Heinz employees on the value of diversity
  • Provide management tools that allow employees to fully participate and contribute
  • Improve employee satisfaction
  • Increase supplier diversity as a percent of total spend
  • Build diversity awareness at Heinz through outreach and partnerships

The Council is currently working to develop metrics for measurement of these goals and believes it is making significant strides to achieve success.

Employee Resource Groups

Employee Resource Groups support a culture of inclusion through the creative and collaborative efforts of Heinz. Three Heinz Resource Groups have been created to enable our diverse employees to network together, to create awareness about their cultures and to also provide consultation regarding company practices and campaigns. Additional groups are currently being developed.

The three established Resource Groups are:

  • Black Employee Resource Group (BERG)
  • Global Organization for the Advancement of Leadership
    of Women (GOAL)
  • Heinz Organization for Latino/Hispanic Advancement (HOLA)
Diversity is vital

Diversity Training

To raise awareness and educate employees about the importance of diversity in our workforce, Heinz began a Diversity Awareness Training Program in Fiscal Year 2008. More than 2,100 salaried employees (95% of our salaried workforce in the U.S.) have completed the training. During the next two fiscal years, we plan to enhance our diversity curriculum and integrate diversity training into the Heinz Academy for all new hires and U.S. hourly employees.

Heinz Scholars Program

The Heinz Scholars program is a unique partnership with Washington & Lee University. The H.J. Heinz Company Foundation and Heinz award annual scholarships and internship opportunities to minority students who have distinguished themselves through academic and personal achievements. The program leverages scholarships to help generate a diverse pipeline of professionals who will either join Heinz after graduation or become part of an alumni network that Heinz can use to attract diverse talent. Now in its seventh year, the program continues to be a paramount opportunity for students to receive tuition scholarships and paid summer internships in their department of interest.

Frank Lubsey successfully completed the Heinz Scholar program and is now a promotions assistant at Heinz North America.