Embracing diversity
At Bekaert, we believe in working together to achieve better performance. As a truly global company, we embrace diversity across all levels in the organization, which is a major source of strength for our company. This applies to diversity in terms of nationality, cultural background, age or gender, but also in terms of capabilities, business experience, insights and views.
The Bekaert population counts about 50 nationalities and employment in 40 countries around the world. This
nationality diversity is mirrored in all levels of the organization as well as in the composition of the Board of Directors.
(GRI 405-1)
Nationality diversity (31 December 2017) |
# people |
# nationalities |
# non-native* |
% non-native |
Board of Directors |
15
|
4
|
6 |
40% |
Bekaert Group Executive (BGE) |
9
|
4
|
3
|
33% |
Senior Vice Presidents |
16 |
7 |
6 |
38% |
Next leadership level (**) |
87 |
17 |
39 |
45% |
Total Leadership Team |
112 |
19 |
48 |
43% |
(*) Non-native definition = other nationality than the one of the mother company’s social seat (i.e.Belgium)
(**) Next leadership level = B13 and above managers excluding BGE and Senior Vice Presidents (Hay classification reference)
The manufacturing character of Bekaert’s operations clarify a predominantly male population, particularly among operators and white collar technicians.
(GRI 405-1)
Gender diversity |
# people |
% male |
% female |
Operators |
21 750
|
95% |
5% |
White collars |
5 895
|
71% |
29% |
Management |
1 668 |
82% |
18% |
Total Bekaert employees |
29 313 |
89% |
11% |
Bekaert is developing a
recruitment and promotion policy which is aimed at gradually driving more diversity, including gender diversity.
This is visible in the broader diversity at the level of the Board of Directors and of the Bekaert Leadership team. Information about gender diversity in the Board of Directors can be found in the Annual Report 2017 (chapter Report of the Board: Corporate Governance).
Gender diversity in the Board of Directors and in the Top Leadership Team of Bekaert:
(GRI 405-1)
Gender diversity (31 December 2017) |
# people |
% male |
% female |
Board of Directors |
15 |
67% |
33% |
Bekaert Group Executive (BGE) |
9
|
78% |
22% |
Senior & next leadership level (*) |
74 |
76% |
24% |
Total Leadership Team |
83 |
76% |
24% |
(*) Senior Vice Presidents and B-13 and above managers (Hay classification reference) excluding BGE.
By 2025, Bekaert aims to reach a gender diversity ratio of 33% at each leadership level.
Age diversity in the Bekaert's highest governance bodies:
(GRI 405-1)
Age diversity (31 December 2017) |
# people |
30-50 years old |
over 50 years old |
Board of Directors |
15 |
20% |
80% |
Bekaert Group Executive (BGE) |
9
|
22% |
78% |
Total highest governance bodies |
24 |
21% |
79% |