No. 28: General Mills

General Mills Logo
Why It’s on the List

General Mills has been a mainstay in the DiversityInc Top 50, making the list for the eighth time. This is no small feat considering that participation and competition have increased every year and that this company competes in one of the most innovative and progressive industries.

This performance reflects a consistent strategy and balance between performance and results. General Mills reports that its formal, cross-cultural mentoring program has more than half of its managers participating, including executives in the top three levels of management. Additionally, the program has competency training for mentors and the relationships are evaluated every six months.

The company has 38 resource groups, including groups for teleworkers and veterans. These groups include 40 percent of its total employee population as members. The groups are used for recruiting, on-boarding, talent development, and to augment marketing efforts and implement diversity-training initiatives. For example, one group partnered with a minority-owned business enterprise to develop a micro-inequities training course on developing as an effective leader. The resource groups have formal charters, and performance is measured utilizing a scorecard process.

A total of 5.8 percent of the company’s total revenue is spent on philanthropy. Of that, half is directed toward multicultural communities.
Diversity Leadership
Ken Powell Photo Ken Powell
Chairman and CEO:

“Diversity makes General Mills stronger by fueling innovation, connecting us with suppliers and deepening the important bond we have with consumers. For more than a century, General Mills has built powerful, trusting relationships with consumers through iconic brands such as Cheerios, Betty Crocker and Pillsbury. A diverse and inclusive workplace helps us continue to build these relationships with today’s consumers.”
Ken Charles Photo Ken Charles
Vice President of Global Diversity and Inclusion:

“Diversity plus inclusion equal business value. We connect with all of our consumers and reap innovative ideas. Most importantly, it allows us to recruit and retain the talent to win now and in the future. We appreciate that our people and their unique perspectives are the key to our success.”
Company Information

U.S. Headquarters: Minneapolis

Global Employees: 35,000

U.S. Employees: 16,900

Last Year’s DiversityInc Top 50 Ranking: No. 27