Real estate tycoon Gigi Chao has been named the world’s most powerful LGBT champion.
Gigi Chao, the vice chairman of real estate giant Cheuk Nang, has become the first Asian business leader to lead the OUTstanding Top 100 LGBT+ power list.
In 2012 Chao was put under the spotlight when her father offered HK$500m to any man who could convince his lesbian daughter to marry him.
This year we also see the launch of the OUTstanding Hall of Fame which showcases five models who have featured in the Top 10 for the past three years. These are the people who are the visible champions working hard for LGBT+ inclusion and workplace equality.
Gigi Chao, vice chairman, Cheuk Nang said: “I was forced to come out of the closet but as soon as it happened I realised it was an opportunity to set a good example.”
“Being recognised for the first time in the OUTstanding Top 100 leading LGBT+ Executives list is a huge honour as I share the belief that world leaders and companies have a responsibility to drive LGBT+ inclusion and policy change.”
“Fewer people should feel like they need to live a double life and I hope more LGBT+ business leaders and Allies join me in visibly celebrating diverse sexuality in the workplace.”
These are the top 10 LGBT executives, according to the list:
- Gigi Chao- executive vice chairman of Cheuk Nang Holdings Limited
- Inga Beale- chief executive officer of Lloyds of London
- Alan Joyce- chief executive officer of Qantas
- Martine Rothblatt- The CEO of United Therapeutics Corporation
- Stacey Friedmen- general counsel of JP Morgan
- David Furnish- CEO of Rocket Entertainment Group
- Jonathan Mildenhall- chief marketing officer at Airbnb
- Liz Bingham- partner of EY
- Mary Portas- executive creative director at Portas Agency
- Louis Vega- chief of staff, office of the chairman and the CEO, vice president Dow Olympic and Sports Solutions at Dow Chemical Company.
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