We’re excited to announce that Nielsen has been recognized for excellence and leadership in diversity by DiversityInc for the third year in a row. Nielsen earned the #41 ranking on the DiversityInc 2016 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list, an annual survey which tracks the nation’s top companies when it comes to hiring, retaining and promoting women, minorities, people with disabilities, LGBT and veterans. The list is based on the most rigorous, data-driven survey of its kind, gauging detailed demographics based on race/ethnicity and gender at more than 1,800 companies with U.S. operations.

“Diversity and inclusion are crucial to Nielsen’s growth, strength and ability to innovate,” said Mitch Barns, CEO, Nielsen. “We are investing in technology, leadership development and other capabilities to enhance the creativity of our teams globally and benefit the companies and markets we serve.”

We’re deeply committed to sustaining Nielsen’s inclusive culture and sponsor a significant amount of programs to celebrate diversity. Our recent milestones include:

• The appointment and promotion of Angela Talton to chief diversity officer at the beginning of the year.
• Completing a week-long global campaign that grew membership for the company’s seven employee resource groups (ERGs) outside of the U.S. by 38%.
• Investing in leadership development through the Diverse Leadership Network, with 100% of graduates staying with the company and moving to more desirable positions. The 2015 class expanded the program beyond the U.S.
• Providing pro bono consulting, mentoring, and financial education to diverse suppliers.
• Enhancing time off benefits with a longer leave for parents.
• Leveraging our LGBT ERG to offer programs focused on transgender education.
• Working with Special Olympics for the sixth year in a row, including producing a customized global survey of 500 athletes at the World Summer Games in 2015.

“Nielsen’s definition of diversity is far more than what you see,” said Angela Talton, Nielsen’s chief diversity officer. “It is the breadth of talents, skills, experiences and cultural backgrounds that makes each of us unique. Leveraging those differences for our company and our clients has produced superior results. It is not enough for our associates to have a seat at the table. We want them to have a voice at the table and to know their voice will be heard.”

Companies with more than 1,000 U.S.-based employees are eligible to enter DiversityInc’s survey, and there is no cost to compete. Each company’s rank is based on an objective analysis of 183 separate factors, based on data from a 300-question survey. The four equally weighted areas of measurement are Talent Pipeline, Equitable Talent Development, CEO/Leadership Commitment and Supplier Diversity.

“Under the direction of CEO Mitch Barns and CDO Angela Talton, Nielsen moves up the list with strong executive accountability across the company, including signing off on executive compensation tied to diversity,” said Luke Visconti, DiversityInc’s founder and CEO.