Intel Pledges $300M to Increase Diversity from Recruitment to Senior Leadership

by: Avril Langevine

“A fully diverse & inclusive workplace is fundamental to our ability to innovate & deliver business results,” said Intel CEO Brian Krzanich this week.  Intel has been a MLT partner since 2012.

In his Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2015 keynote address, Krzanich previewed several new products.  But after highlighting all of these innovations, Krzanich noted another important force in the future of technology: Inclusion, or  “one word that can change this industry for the better.” In light of recent releases in staff demographic data that revealed a significant under-representation of diverse populations within the staff of major tech firms, Krzanich pledged $300 million for Intel to be a leader in its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“It’s not good enough to say we value diversity and then have our workplaces and our industry not reflect the full availability and talent pool of women and underrepresented minorities,” he said during his keynote remarks.

Intel’s goal is to reach full representation from entry to senior levels by 2020 by increasing hiring, promotion and retention of women and minorities. Leadership will be held accountable by tying their pay to progress on this commitment. Intel will report on how it is diversifying its general population, funding initiatives to promote diversity in STEM, and increasing the number of women and minorities entering the tech field and advancing along the leadership pipeline.

“This isn’t just good business,” Krzanich said, “it’s the right thing to do.

MLT is working with other tech companies to follow the terrific example set by Intel.