Press Release

ELC Included in 2018 Bloomberg Gender Equality Index

The Estée Lauder Companies today announced that it is one of over 100 companies from ten sectors to join the inaugural 2018 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI). Launched today, the reference index measures gender equality across internal company statistics, employee policies, external community support and engagement, and gender-conscious product offerings. The sector-neutral Bloomberg GEI follows the release of the Bloomberg Financial Services Gender-Equality Index (BFGEI), launched in 2016. The 2017 BFGEI included 52 financial firms, headquartered in 17 countries and regions.

Published 6 years ago | About a 2 minute read

The sector-neutral Bloomberg GEI follows the release of the Bloomberg Financial Services Gender-Equality Index (BFGEI), launched in 2016. The 2017 BFGEI included 52 financial firms, headquartered in 17 countries and regions.

“We are honored that The Estée Lauder Companies has been included in the 2018 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index,” said William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “Our company was founded by a woman – my grandmother Estée Lauder – who was an inspirational business visionary. Her influence has helped guide our values, especially our unwavering commitment to women’s leadership, health and girls’ education, as expressed through our global giving and employee volunteer teams.”

“Gender equality and full respect for each individual are absolutely integral to our company values,” said Fabrizio Freda, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. “Our inclusive culture encourages advocacy, openness and appreciation of our employees’ individuality, which in turn elevates our collective creativity and innovation in meeting the needs of our global consumers through our products and high-touch service.”

The 2018 GEI expands globally to represent 24 countries and regions, including firms headquartered in Belgium, Chile, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Singapore and Taiwan for the first time. Companies range from a variety of sectors, including communications, consumer staples, energy, financials, materials and technology.

"We commend The Estée Lauder Companies and the other 103 companies included in the 2018 GEI for their efforts to create work environments that support gender equality across a diverse range of industries," said Peter T. Grauer, Chairman of Bloomberg and Founding Chairman of the U.S. 30% Club. "Their leadership sets an important example that will help all organizations innovate and navigate the growing demand for diverse and inclusive workplaces."

"As investors continue to seek more information on companies' approaches to environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, the 2018 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index allows investors to compare companies' commitments to gender equality across industries," said Kiersten Barnet, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Chairman at Bloomberg. "More data and greater transparency in this space will allow investors to make better-informed decisions and help companies better understand their own progress towards gender equality."

The Estée Lauder Companies submitted a social survey created by Bloomberg in partnership with third-party experts Catalyst, Women's World Banking, Working Mother Media, National Women's Law Center, and National Partnership for Women & Families. Those included on this year’s index scored at or above a global threshold established by Bloomberg to reflect disclosure and the achievement or adoption of best-in-class statistics and policies.

Both the survey and the GEI are voluntary and have no associated costs. Bloomberg collected this data for reference purposes only. The index is not ranked. For more information on the GEI visit https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/sustainable-finance/.