Ryan FowlerRepresentation of LGBTQ+ leaders at the top of global business remains limited despite steady progress, according to new analysis from INvolve, which has released its annual Outstanding Role Model Lists supported by YouTube.
The data shows that within the FTSE 100, the number of publicly out LGBTQ+ CEOs has risen from zero in 2015 to two in 2025. In the Fortune 100, representation has grown from one to five over the same period. While these figures mark improvement since the launch of the Outstanding Role Model Lists in 2013, they still fall short of reflecting the broader LGBTQ+ population, estimated at between 6% and 10%.
The findings highlight an ongoing gap at the highest levels of corporate leadership. Just 2% of FTSE 100 CEOs and 5% of Fortune 100 CEOs are publicly out as LGBTQ+, demonstrating that even as representation improves across senior management and board levels, visibility in top leadership remains scarce. INvolve warned that these modest gains could be undermined by political hostility, economic uncertainty, and growing resistance to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
Suki Sandhu OBE, founder and chief executive officer of INvolve, said: “We’ve seen progress since 2015, but the reality is that LGBTQ+ representation at leadership levels is still far from where it needs to be. In a climate where inclusion is under threat, these gains could easily be lost or reversed. In the current climate companies must double down on their commitment to equity and LGBTQ+ rights, not roll them back. The incredible individuals on our Outstanding Role Model Lists show what’s possible when LGBTQ+ leaders and their advocates use their influence to create workplaces where everyone can thrive.”
This year’s Outstanding Role Model Lists celebrate LGBTQ+ executives, advocates, and future leaders driving change in business worldwide. Among the top Outstanding Executives for 2025 are David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment Group; Travis Torrence, US head of legal at Shell; Jen Carter, global head of technology at Google.org; Kit Morey, VP of commissioning at Paramount | Channel 5; and Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.
The full Outstanding Role Model Lists 2025, supported by YouTube, are available at https://outstanding.involverolemodels.org/.
