The Employers Network for Equality& Inclusion (enei), the leading not-for-profit organisation helping employers build and maintain diverse and inclusive teams, is delighted to announce the appointment of Claudine Adeyemi and Will Smith as co-Chairs of the charity, with immediate effect. Will and Claudine will replace Darra Singh who is stepping down after three years as Chair. Both Claudine and Will bring individual and diverse experiences to solidify enei’s position as leaders in workplace DEI.

Claudine’s commitment to building a better society will build on enei’s mission to ensure workplaces create a sense of belonging. Claudine is the founder and CEO of Earlybird, a Google-backed AI software company, a former multi-award-winning lawyer and former World Economic Forum Global Shaper. 

 Claudine has previously led her own DEI venture, building and running an employability organisation, CareerEar. The organisation supported thousands from overlooked communities to have career confidence and was recognised with a HM Government Recognition Award.

Co-chair, Claudine Adeyemi said: “Since joining the board six years ago, I’ve been in awe of the dedication that enei shows to making the work environment a better place. Evidence shows that organisations that build and maintain diverse teams and inclusive cultures perform better. I am looking forward to joining Will as a co-chair to continue supporting enei and its customers on this journey.”

Will is currently Managing Partner, People & Purpose for Deloitte North and South Europe, with over two decades of auditing experience across the manufacturing, consumer, retail, and technology industries.

 Named Male Diversity Champion of the Year at the UK Women in the 2020 Accountancy and Finance Awards, Will sits on Deloitte’s North and South Europe leadership team. Here he is responsible for various people initiatives such as diversity, equity, and inclusion across 30 countries and over 75,000 professionals. He is also Sponsoring Partner for Deloitte UK’s LGBTQ+ network, Proud.

Co-chair, Will Smith explains: “I am a strong believer that when people with their views and stories that are unique to them come together, it can lead to wonderful things. I’m thrilled that I get to team up with Claudine to support enei on its mission of making workplaces truly inclusive.”

Sandi Wassmer, CEO at enei adds: “As Will and Claudine take the reins from Darra, enei thanks him for his commitment to and passion for enei’s proposition around diversity, equality, and inclusion. 

Darra led the board at a time when companies were facing the challenging circumstances that came with the pandemic. Claudine and Will’s staunch passion for DEI is exceptional. I’m excited to be working with them to build a better future.”

Since Sandi joined, enei has welcomed five new trustees and now supports over 400 businesses. With the demand to support organisations on their DEI journeys not slowing down, enei remains dedicated to having the best individuals onboard to position itself as the UK market leader in workplace diversity, equality, and inclusion.