Pernod Ricard USA Earns Top Marks in 2017 Corporate Equality Index

NEW YORK, Jan. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pernod Ricard USA proudly announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2017 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality.  The company joins the ranks of 517 major U.S. businesses which also earned perfect marks this year.

"We are honored to have achieved this top ranking," said Paul Duffy, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard USA. "As a company, it is very important for us to foster a convivial and inclusive environment where we can celebrate our differences each and every work day. We believe that by creating a more open workplace, it allows us to work together to achieve great success."

The 2017 CEI rated 1,043 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBT-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs, and public engagement with the LGBT community. Pernod Ricard's efforts to meet all of the CEI's criteria resulted in the 100 percent ranking and a designation as a "Best Place to Work" for LGBT Equality.

Daniel Clarke, Brand Director and Leader of the Pernod Ricard USA LGBT Employee Resource Group, said the company is "thrilled by the HRC recognition.  He added, "This achievement is representative of a cross-functional effort to ensure our policies fully advocate for our LGBT employees – current and future – as well as the LGBT community in general."

For more information on the 2017 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

About The Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA.  The company's leading spirits and wines include such prestigious brands as Absolut® Vodka, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey, Malibu®, Kahlúa® Liqueur, Beefeater® Gin, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin®, Martell® Cognac, Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Pernod®, Ricard® and Avión™ Tequila; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek®, Kenwood® Vineyards and Brancott Estate®; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier-Jouët® Champagne, G.H. Mumm™ Champagne and Mumm Napa® sparkling wines. Pernod Ricard USA is based in New York, New York, and has roughly 850 employees across the country. Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.responsibility.org.

SOURCE Pernod Ricard USA