September 17, 2018 — Since being named chairman and CEO in 2011, Omar Ishrak has made diversity and inclusion a priority at Medtronic. In particular, when speaking with employees, shareholders and customers, he frequently emphasizes the need for more women in senior leadership roles.

"Repeatedly, research tells us of the positive impact that diversity has on driving better decision-making," Ishrak says. "Diversity needs to exist at all levels of our organization, including the most senior levels. More women are needed in management roles to help us achieve our goals and drive our mission to improve patient lives."

Diversity needs to exist at all levels of our organization, including the most senior levels. More women are needed in management roles to help us achieve our goals and drive our mission to improve patient lives.

Omar Ishrak, Chairman and CEO, Medtronic

Marking this commitment, Ishrak has signed the Catalyst CEO Champions for Change pledge on behalf of Medtronic. Founded more than 50 years ago, Catalyst is a leading nonprofit organization focused on accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion. The Champions for Change initiative was launched in 2017, and currently includes more than 50 leading global companies that have committed to drive change and gender equality in their organizations. Learn more about the Catalyst CEO Champions for Change pledge.

“Our Catalyst CEO Champions for Change companies represent more than 9 million employees and more than $1.7 trillion dollars in revenue globally,” said Lorraine Hariton, President and CEO of Catalyst. “The positive ripple effect from their commitment is tremendous in helping to build workplaces where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.”

The positive ripple effect from their commitment is tremendous in helping to build workplaces where everyone has a fair chance to succeed.

Lorraine Hariton, President and CEO, Catalyst

In recent years, Medtronic has made notable progress in its diversity and inclusion efforts, including programs geared at women pursuing careers in science and engineering. The company was recently ranked number three on the Thomson Reuters Top 100 Companies for Inclusion and Diversity list, and has been named to DiversityInc’s Top 50 list six times since 2012. 

“In a global marketplace and diverse world, our success requires the advancement of female leadership and talent, and an enriching diverse and inclusive workplace,” said Ishrak. “I’m honored to be representing Medtronic in joining the Catalyst CEO Champions for Change movement, and continuing to drive and track measurable results in the advancement of gender equality.”