Pernod Ricard USA Earns Top Marks in 2018 Corporate Equality Index

NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pernod Ricard USA believes now, more than ever, in the responsibility to bring visibility and pride to diversity, receiving a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2018 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmarking survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ workplace equality. The company joins the ranks of hundreds of major U.S. businesses which also earned perfect marks this year.

"We are honored to receive this recognition for the second year," said Paul Duffy, Chairman and CEO, Pernod Ricard North America. "As a company, LGBTQ equality is part of our culture, going back over 35 years with the Absolut brand. We acknowledge the power of celebrating our diversity, both in our workday and the conversations we create. We believe that by creating a more open and understanding workplace, it allows us to work together to achieve great success."

The 2018 CEI rated over a thousand businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices. Pernod Ricard continues its ranking as a "Best Place to Work" for LGBTQ Equality, and their ongoing efforts to raise LGBTQ visibility inside their global footprint. 

Daniel Clarke, Brand Director and Leader of the Pernod Ricard USA LGBTQ Employee Resource Group, said the company is "thrilled by the HRC recognition."  He added, "This achievement is representative of an ongoing effort by Pernod Ricard to create conversations like those we began with the Transgender community in 2015. Participating in the HRC ranking each year is just one example of Pernod Ricard's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion." 

For more information on the 2018 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/cei.

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, , Avión® Tequila, Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson® Irish Whiskey,  Kahlúa® Liqueur, Malibu®,  Martell® Cognac,  Olmeca Altos™ Tequila , Beefeater® Gin, Del Maguey® Single Village Mezcal, Monkey 47® Gin, Plymouth® Gin, Seagram's® Extra Dry Gin, , Hiram Walker® Liqueurs, Lot No. 40® Canadian Whiskey, Midleton® Irish Whiskey, Powers® Irish Whiskey, Redbreast® Irish Whiskey, Smithworks® Vodka, Smooth Ambler® Whiskey, Pernod®, and Ricard®; such superior wines as Jacob's Creek®, Kenwood® Vineyards, Campo Viejo® 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 650 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