Bentonville, AR Type of Business: Retailer Diversity Contact: Esther Silver-Parker, VP, Diversity Relations
Wal-Mart gets high marks for its philanthropic efforts and community outreach in African American communities. The national retailer makes the grade in terms of a fair representation of ethnic minorities among its employees, corporate board, and senior management. With total procurement in the billions, Wal-Mart continues to push for greater inclusion of minority vendors. A target of criticism and lawsuits, the company established a new diversity office in 2003 that serves as its driving force for diversity initiatives. Since then, pay systems and managers’ bonuses are now tied to diversity goals.
Strengths BOARD OF DIRECTORS
YUM! BRANDS Location: Louisville, KY Type of Business: Fast food franchise Diversity Contact: Terrian Barnes, Director, Public Affairs & Global Diversity
Yum! Brands captures a high spot in workforce diversity, with ethnic minorities composing more than 50% of U.S. employees. One Yum! Brands senior executive made our “75 Most Powerful Blacks in Corporate America” list. Though strides have been made, additional steps are needed to improve its supplier base. “Chairman and CEO David Novak is holding all brand leaders accountable for building a Yum! dynasty that reflects the communities we serve,” says Barnes. “We are trying to form the right partnerships with the right organizations that can help deliver minority suppliers for all aspects of our business.”
Strengths EMPLOYEE BASE