Hiscox hires former Avanade exec to lead diversity and inclusion efforts

Hiscox has appointed a global head of diversity and inclusion (D&I) to build on the programme it has been running since 2017 to cultivate a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation.

Erica Fletcher joins Hiscox to lead the D&I effort, having held a similar role at Avanade – a joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft. At Avanade she designed strategies that improved diversity across gender, race and other demographics, driving inclusion and equity across the organisation.

She has also held global human resources operations roles and overseen business transformation and change programmes at Accenture, and was most recently director of equality and inclusion at Norfolk Southern Corporation.

At Hiscox she is based in Atlanta, reporting to Laila Gillies, Hiscox’s US HR director.

Kate Markham, chief executive for Hiscox London Market and executive sponsor of D&I at Hiscox, said: “While we’ve made a positive start to our D&I journey – such as the launch of 12 global employee run networks providing a forum for focused discussion, including groups for LGBT+, Pan-African, and mental health and well-being – we know we can go much further.”

Fletcher said: “Hiscox has committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and I’m looking forward to progressing the many initiatives already in place as well as introducing new ideas that can help the business meet its D&I aims.”

She added: “It is evident that there is widespread support and recognition for what an effective D&I agenda can achieve in terms of talent retention and recruitment, but also in delivering products and services more reflective of a changing society.”