Getronics launches Women in Technology initiative to increase leadership diversity

IT services firm puts nurturing diversity within its ranks at top of its agenda

Global IT integrator Getronics has launched a Women in Technology initiative which it says affirms its commitment to promoting diversity within its ranks.

"We are determined to play a principal role in workspace diversity," Deborah Exell, Getronics' global head of human capital and change, said.

"As a global player with clients from all over the world, all with different backgrounds, cultures and ideas, Getronics attaches great importance to promoting equal opportunities for all, to reflect the diversity of its customers among its employees."

Getronics claims that if women are more visible in leadership roles, it will create a virtuous circle, whereby there will be more role models for young women worldwide "who lack the information or references in an ICT world still mainly dominated by men".

Exell added: "Diversity is not just a buzzword. Differing perspectives and unique points of view are a vital force for growth. And, for our employees to truly represent the communities in which they live and work around the world, this means embracing difference."

The initiative will be led by a working group comprising role models within its leadership to drive the initiative.

The group will host regional roundtables, with the aim of providing practical advice on business development strategy and identifying talent internally.

In terms of how Getronics interacts with the rest of the industry, the Amsterdam-headquartered firm also said it will participate in external events promoting the issue, and engage with universities as well as organisations that value women.

However, the company thinks that nurturing diverse talent shouldn't stop at offering more support to women.

"We won't stop there," said Caroline Montgomery, Getronics' global head of engineering and solutions.

"Women in Technology must be seen as the first step in a broader frame aiming to promote inclusiveness for all genders, ages, ethnicities and beliefs."

Echoing feedback from other channel heavyweights that coaching is a key element in helping women progress up the ladder of any organisation, Getronics' initiative will focus on mentoring women to take leadership roles.

Speaking to CRN's sister site Channelnomics Europe, CEO Nana Baffour recently conceded that women are a minority within the 9,000 strong firm.

However, he insisted that "diversity is key to our growth", adding: "There is no substitute to having a wide range of experiences at the table."