Out Leadership, a coalition of global companies focused on promoting LBGTQ+ equality, welcomed D.E. Shaw as its newest member.
The $60 billion investment firm joins another 98 member companies spanning industries such as global banking, investment management, private equity and alternative investments.
“I’m excited for our firm to be part of Out Leadership to support its important work,” said Eddie Fishman, member of the D. E. Shaw group’s Executive Committee. “We look forward to working together to foster a welcoming, supportive environment where all of our people feel they belong and can reach their full potential.”
D.E. Shaw is known for its annual Momentum Fellowship program, which is for undergraduate students who self-identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. The firm also has DESC.out as part of its employee affinity groups. DESC.out seeks to foster community among LGBTQ+ employees and allies to promote an inclusive work environment that supports all sexual orientations and gender identities.
“We’re delighted that the D. E. Shaw group has joined our global community of firms that now represents over 6 million global employees,” said Todd Sears, CEO and founder of Out Leadership, in a statement. “We appreciate the firm’s clear commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, recognizing its view that a sense of belonging drives creativity, productivity, and many critical business imperatives. This closely aligns with our approach, and we’re excited to start working with their firm.”
A Wall Street veteran, Sears first established Out on the Street in 2011. Other member alternative investment firms that are members of Out Leadership include Apollo, Blackstone, GLG, Goldman Sachs, KKR, Millennium and PIMCO.