Zaheer Ahmad

Zaheer Ahmad is the Global Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Haleon and a foremost expert on race and ethnicity. A go-to figure in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Zaheer is a highly demanded advisor to prestigious private and public sector organisations seeking his specialist knowledge on employee relations, culture, social mobility and diversity and inclusion. He is also a notable speaker, regularly booked to speak on the topics of intersectionality, social mobility, cultural change and diversity and inclusion.

Throughout his decorated career with the police force, Zaheer served in several departments, including the Force Intelligence Bureau, Murder Investigation and Uniform Policing. He was also a member of five National Police boards, most notably the Ministerial Progression Board and the National Equality Diversity and Human Rights Board. In 2010, in recognition of his exceptional police service, he received an MBE. After leaving the force, Zaheer built an illustrious career in diversity and inclusion, landing prominent senior roles such as Head of Strategic Delivery, Diversity & Inclusiveness at EY and Global Head of Diversity Equity and Inclusion at GSK. Moreover, Zaheer holds multiple advisory positions with eminent organisations, including the Chartered Management Institute, the British Academy, World 50 and City and Guilds.

As a Leadership Fellow with the Society of Leadership Fellows, Zaheer is regularly in contact with the world’s most influential leaders. Gathering frequently, they meet up to think of solutions for contemporary issues. He is also an Independent Member of the Premier League Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standards, which works with all 20 Premier League clubs and various English Football Leagues to embed DEI. Furthermore, as a distinguished expert in diversity and inclusion, Zaheer has been involved with several high-profile reports and projects, such as the Government backed Parker Review and FTSE 500 McKenzie-Delis Pack Review, among others.

Having led an illustrious career in diversity, equity and inclusion, Zaheer has received multiple prestigious awards for his pioneering work, including the Ethnicity in the City Inspirational Leader Award and the European Diversity Hero of the Year Award. He was also listed on the Global Diversity Top 20 D&I professionals list for two consecutive years in recognition of his profound contributions to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Zaheer is now on a mission to spread his cutting-edge knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion in his speaking engagement, where he eloquently discusses intersectionality, cultural change, and social mobility, leaving audiences with many valuable takeaways.