David Hynam, chief executive of LV=, has been recognised as the number one global LGBTQ+ role model in INvolve’s annual Outstanding Role Model Lists, which highlight business leaders who have made significant contributions to inclusion. Hynam, who began his career in finance after growing up in South Wales, has long championed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), particularly for LGBTQ+ communities and other groups with protected characteristics.
In his role at LV=, a major UK life and pensions mutual insurer, Hynam has driven initiatives to foster an inclusive workplace. This includes establishing a network of LGBTQ+ allies, adopting gender-neutral recruitment practices, and advancing diversity within male-dominated areas. Under his leadership, LV= has joined the Race at Work Charter, achieved Disability Confident Employer status, and won awards for its work in gender equality.
Reflecting on the recognition, Hynam said: “I am truly grateful to find myself leading this year’s Outstanding Global LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model list. I’m a firm believer that visible representation is important, and when I started my career over three decades ago, there were almost no openly gay senior leaders in business. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to put inclusion on the agenda in each business I’ve led. Encouraging others to become better allies and empowering colleagues can lead to great results. Everyone has the power to create some change for good.”
Suki Sandhu OBE, founder and CEO of INvolve, added: “LGBTQ+ and advocate Role Models remain vital for driving tangible, long term inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals across the world. The individuals featured within the Outstanding Role Model Lists, supported by YouTube, are all trailblazers who are driving impactful initiatives and strategic change within their organisations and across wider society.”
Hynam was also recently recognised on Fortune’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Leaders list for his continued advocacy and influence across the sector.
