This week, a number of remarkable people were recognised at the annual GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards, held in London on Tuesday (March 8).
Lord Karan Bilimoria, chairman and founder of Cobra Beer Partnership and president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), was the recipient of the inaugural GG2 Ram Solanki Beacon Award, named after the late founder of Asian Media Group (AMG) Ramniklal Solanki CBE.
Salman Amin, pladis chief executive, took home the GG2 CEO of the Year Award, presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, brings about change and builds a culture of belonging and inclusion across their organisation.
In all, 20 awards were presented on the evening, and a number of remarkable women were amongst the winners at this year’s awards, which coincided with International Women’s Day.
Now in their 23rd year, the GG2 Leadership and Diversity Awards celebrate the achievements of Britain’s ethnic minorities. They are hosted by AMG, publishers of Asian Trader.
AMG group managing editor, Kalpesh Solanki, said: “The GG2 Leadership Awards spotlight extraordinary individuals working against immense odds.
“We highlight the work of remarkable people and shine a light on their achievements so others can follow in their footsteps.”
In his acceptance speech, Salman Amin who is a fervent advocate of inclusion and empowering young talent said, “At pladis we are on a journey which we believe is focussed on parity, equity and on being a perpetual learning organisation. We believe that building inclusion, shapes the right culture and, we are determined to build an inclusive company.”
Last year, Amin convened a global external advisory board made up of established leaders in the field of inclusion and diversity to support pladis’ journey to build a vibrant, inclusive and diverse workforce. He has also been credited with reviving the company, making global efforts to put diversity and inclusion at the top of the agenda setting the tone for his team to lead the way.
Born into a military family, Lord Bilimoria campaigned tirelessly and raised funds to build a memorial to recognise the contribution of the five million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and Caribbean who served in the two world wars.
A keen and passionate voice in the cause of equality and diversity, he smashed through another glass ceiling in June 2020 when he became the first non-white President of the CBI. During his tenure, he has not only been a powerful advocate for business, but has put diversity and inclusion firmly on the agenda in the boardrooms of corporate Britain.
“This is one of the proudest moments of my life,” said an emotional Lord Bilimoria. “To receive this award, in memory of a great man in Ramniklal Solanki, is an absolute honour.”
WINNERS LIST
GG2 D&I Initiative Award
Awarded to an individual or organisation for outstanding work in implementing an initiative with diversity and inclusion at its heart.
WINNER: School of Marketing and its GEN Z programme
GG2 Marketing Campaign of the Year
Awarded to an organisation who has made an outstanding and meaningful marketing campaign to promote the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
WINNER: GottaBe! Marketing
GG2 Advertising Agency of the Year
Presented to an organisation who has made an outstanding contribution to their clients’ successes and built a strong culture of creativity and originality.
WINNER: Mediareach Advertising
GG2 Local Government Award
Awarded to a local council or government department for outstanding work in putting diversity higher up the agenda and promoting the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
WINNER: Islington Council
GG2 Diversity Champion of the Year
Awarded to an individual or organisation for outstanding work in putting diversity higher up the agenda and promoting the values of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
WINNER: Sanjay Bhandari, Chair, Kick It Out
GG2 CEO of the Year
Awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, brings about change, innovation, and built a culture of belonging and inclusion across the organisation.
WINNER: Salman Amin, pladis
GG2 Ram Solanki Beacon Award
Presented to an inspiring individual for exceptional contribution to Britain and ethnic communities.
WINNER: Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, Chairman and Founder of Cobra Beer Partnership and President of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
GG2 Spirit in the Community Award supported by Royal Navy
Awarded to an individual or organisation for outstanding work in the community.
WINNER: Amna Abdullatif, Huda Jawad and Shaista Aziz, Founders, The Three Hijabis
GG2 Young Journalist of the Year supported by Daily Mail
Awarded for outstanding work in the media.
WINNER: Inzamam Rashid, Correspondent, Sky News
GG2 Inspire Award supported by the British Army
Presented to an individual or organisation for outstanding work in the community, which has served to inspire young people.
WINNER: Captain Preet Chandi, Physiotherapist, British Army
GG2 Achievement through Adversity supported by Maniyar Capital
Awarded to an individual who has achieved a high level of success despite difficult circumstances.
WINNER: Waheed Arian, Doctor and Founder, Arian Teleheal International Telemedicine Charity
GG2 Young Achiever Award supported by the Royal Air Force
Presented to a young person aged 35 or under who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, brings about change and who is an inspiration to communities.
WINNER: Soma Sara, Founder and CEO, Everyone’s Invited
GG2 Outstanding Achievement in Science supported by Morningside Pharmaceuticals
Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the world of science.
WINNER: Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian FRS FMedSci, Herchel Smith Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Cambridge
GG2 Outstanding Achievement in Law
Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the legal profession.
WINNER: Jacqueline McKenzie, Partner, Leigh Day
GG2 Social Entrepreneur Award
Awarded to a cause-driven individual or organisation who has made an outstanding and meaningful contribution to society.
WINNER: Vraj Pankhania, Founder and Chairman, Westcombe Homes Group and Westcombe Foundation
GG2 Inspirational Role Model Award
Presented to an exceptional individual who has shown resilience and passion to drive positive change in business and the community.
WINNER: Kailash Suri, Owner, Reel Cinemas
GG2 Pride of Britain Award
Awarded to an individual for outstanding contribution to society.
WINNER: Azeem Rafiq, Anti-Racism Campaigner and Former Professional Cricketer
GG2 Woman of the Year supported by Maniyar Capital
Awarded to an individual for consistent high achievement.
WINNER: HHJ Kaly Kaul QC, Circuit Judge and Queen’s Counsel and Founder of the Judicial Support Network
GG2 Man of the Year
Awarded to an individual for consistent high achievement.
WINNER: Professor Sir Partha Dasgupta FRS FBA, Frank Ramsey Professor Emeritus of Economics, University of Cambridge
GG2 Hammer Award in association with pladis
Awarded to an individual who has broken through the glass ceiling.
WINNER: Bina Mehta, UK Chair, KPMG
