Greene King mentors its executives as part of anti-racism pledge

The pub operator and brewer has taken the Reverse Mentoring approach, where team members from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds will spend six months mentoring executive leaders.

Reverse mentoring flips organisational hierarchy on its head and gives leaders a new perspective on the business, a wider understanding and awareness of inclusion and diversity through the ears and eyes of team members from across the business. 

The programme was launched this month and gave the 11 Greene King executive board members taking part the chance to meet their mentors for the first time with renowned brewing scientist and human rights activist, Sir Geoff Palmer as the guest speaker.

Journey of change and improvement 

Head of inclusion and diversity at Greene King, Garry Clarke-Strange, said: “This programme is part of our overall Inclusion and Diversity strategy, it is a significant and exciting step on our journey to everyday inclusion here at Greene King.

“At the launch there was a real and genuine warmth, a sense of pride and shared understanding about the sheer importance of this mentoring.

“Everyone wants to be part of this vital journey of change and improvement.” 

The mentors predominantly work in Greene King pubs with some from support centres and head offices, the programme includes five female and six male mentors with a mix of ages and experience from all backgrounds. 

Creating opportunities 

Clarke-Strange said: “They will share experiences which will help our executive board members have a greater understanding and awareness of different profiles and backgrounds.

“It’s about changing, it’s about education, it’s about creating more opportunities. It’s about everyday inclusion for everyone at Greene King.”