No. 38: Medtronic

Medtronic Logo
DiversityInc Lists

Also:

  • No. 4 in The DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Asian Americans
Why It’s on the List

The company’s diversity-management strategy incorporates engagement into diversity and is very much a global plan with local implementation. In 2011, Medtronic created a global executive council that it calls the Medtronic Inclusion Advisory Group (MIAG), along with more than 20 Inclusion Coalitions that implement the global strategy at the local level within each business, geography or corporate sector across the globe. Each of these Inclusion Coalitions is led by local business leaders who are working with their teams to create and implement specific action plans with measurable business goals, reported to the MIAG annually.

In 2011, Medtronic also initiated a global women’s resource group, as well as a global engagement and inclusion survey.

The emphasis on diversity comes from the top. Omar Ishrak, who took over as chairman and CEO in June 2011, frequently communicates the business benefits of diversity internally and externally and meets quarterly with resource groups. He also chairs the executive diversity council, which meets quarterly. The resource groups are used for recruitment, talent development, mentoring and diversity training, and they are assessed based on their impact on business, membership and employee engagement. Twenty-five percent of employees are members of these groups.
Diversity Leadership
Omar Ishrak Photo Omar Ishrak
Chairman and CEO:

“To be a truly global company, Medtronic must mirror the geographies we serve. When we respect and share our collective experiences, we improve collaboration, teamwork and innovation around the globe. I am personally committed to guiding our continued growth as a diverse and inclusive organization, where employees are engaged and focused on executing on the Medtronic Mission.”
Michele DeSmet Photo Michele DeSmet
Vice President of Global Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement and Neuromodulation HR:

“As a world leader in medical technology, Medtronic is committed to leveraging the diverse perspectives, backgrounds, cultures and generations of our employees to fulfill our Mission—improving the lives of others. We are honored to receive this recognition of our progress as an inclusive, global workplace that encourages each employee to be themselves and engaged in their work.”
Company Information

U.S. Headquarters: Minneapolis

Global Employees: 45,499

U.S. Employees: 23,545

New to the DiversityInc Top 50 List This Year
Related Articles