Dr Zaheer Ahmad

BIO

Dr. Zaheer Ahmad MBE is a globally recognised leader in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), with over two decades of experience in senior-level roles across public and private sectors. Currently, the Head of Unifying Culture at BDO, Dr. Ahmad has also held pivotal roles at Ernst & Young as Head of Strategic Delivery (DEI), at Haleon as Global Head of DEI, at GSK as Global Head of DEI (Consumer Healthcare) and has served on multiple government advisory boards, including the Ministerial Progression Group at the Home Office and the Race Advisory Group at the Ministry of Justice. A prominent voice in the field, Dr. Ahmad has advised numerous global organisations on a range of topics, including social mobility, intersectionality, belonging, recruitment, retention, and employee progression. His expertise has shaped high-profile reports such as the Government-backed Parker Review and the FTSE 500 McKenzie-Delis Packer Review.

SKILLS

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Strategic Leadership | Social Mobility | Cultural Transformation | Public Speaking | Recruitment & Retention | Board Advisory | Intersectionality | Organisational Development | Change Management | Belonging & Engagement With a passion for creating inclusive cultures, Dr. Ahmad regularly speaks at national and international conferences, inspiring audiences to embrace the power of DEI. His commitment to advancing social justice and equity has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Global Equality and Diversity Award, the European Diversity and Hero of the Year Award, and an MBE for his services to equality and diversity. Dr. Ahmad is the founder of EqualityX, which publishes the Top 25 Inclusive Muslim Employers list and the Top 50 Influential Muslims List. Beyond his role in DEI, Dr. Ahmad serves as a Non-Executive Director in Common with the NHS, an advisor to the Premier League, and a Board member of the Toyota Motor Diversity Board.

ACHIEVEMENTS

+ MBE for Services to Equality & Diversity + 3x Global Diversity List Top 20 D&I Professionals (2020, 2021, 2023) + European Diversity and Hero of the Year Award + Global Equality and Diversity Award + Head of Diversity of the Year - British Diversity Awards + Honorary Doctorate - Doctor of University + Most Influential DEI Leaders in EMEA + 2 x Inspirational D&I Leader (2022, 2024) + Top 10 Diversity Leaders to Follow + 4 x Corporate Ally of the Year, Pride Power List (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) + Founder of EqualityX - Top 25 Inclusive Muslim Employers