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Honoring Diversity: Pride Month with Our LGBTQ+ & Allies Community!
13 June 2024
As June rolls around, people across the globe come together to celebrate Pride Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history and progress of LGBTQ+ rights. To mark this important occasion, we had a conversation about diversity and inclusion with the main stakeholders of our LGBTQ+ & Allies Community at AUTO1 Group: Philip Reicherstorfer, VP Group Treasury and Senior Community Sponsor, and Raph Lin, Team Lead Design and Co-Chairman of the community committee.
Can you tell us about your role at AUTO1 Group and in the company’s LGBTQ+ & Allies Community?
Philip: As Group Treasurer, my team and I are responsible for managing the company’s finances. This includes overseeing cash flow to ensure timely payments for all our transactions. We also handle the allocation of incoming payments and underwrite new loans for merchants and Autohero buyers in Germany and Austria. Additionally, we innovate with asset-backed securitizations to fund our used car inventory and various finance programs, setting us apart from competitors. Finally, my team also manages Investor Relations-related matters.
In my role as the Senior Sponsor of the LGBTQ+ & Allies Community, I aim to provide guidance and support to the Committee, acting as a bridge between the community and senior management. I also strive to be a role model by being open about my sexuality both inside and outside of the company, demonstrating that being gay is no barrier to a successful corporate career.
Raph: As the Design Team Lead, I shape and maintain the company’s visual identity at the corporate level, ensuring a cohesive and compelling representation across various touchpoints. My responsibilities range from crafting visually engaging investor relations materials to developing internal and external communications, both online and offline. I guide the design team in fostering creativity and aligning our visual language with the core values and objectives of AUTO1 Group to convey the company's visual narrative to diverse audiences.
As the Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ & Allies Community, I strive to create an even more inclusive and equal environment across all our European offices, establishing structures that celebrate diversity and ensure everyone feels welcome. My responsibilities include collaborating with our Legal department to implement policies that go beyond symbolic gestures and have real, positive impacts that contribute to a genuinely inclusive atmosphere. Through collaboration with various stakeholders and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and representation, I hope to bring about meaningful changes within the Group.
Why do you think it is important to have a diverse and inclusive working environment, and why should companies promote this?
Philip: I think the original business case for diversity and inclusion in terms of talent acquisition and talent retention is well understood by companies and managers all over the world. But today, diversity is ever more important: the world has become much more diverse in the last 20, even 10 years. If a company cannot understand its customers in today's diverse world, then it is doomed to fail. And how can a company, ultimately the people at a company, understand this diverse world without being diverse itself? To foster diversity of people and views, you have to be inclusive to ensure all employees feel valued and respected, which in turn fosters a more engaged and productive workforce.
Raph: In the global marketplace, diversity gives a competitive edge, and embracing these principles aligns with societal values. This makes it not only a moral imperative but also a strategic business decision for long-term success.
I believe AUTO1 Group is actively trying to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion across all the markets it operates. It goes beyond a commitment to the company's values; it is a strategic effort to create a safe and welcoming environment for all employees, regardless of their location. By doing so, we can make the company a standout employer in regions that may not traditionally be perceived as LGBTQ+ friendly. This commitment serves as a strategic initiative to position AUTO1 as an attractive and inclusive workplace throughout Europe, thereby attracting top talent to the Group.
Only when employees feel genuinely comfortable being themselves can they focus more on their professional growth and careers. This positive and inclusive work environment allows individuals to bring their authentic selves to the workplace, fostering creativity, innovation, and a strong sense of belonging.
How is AUTO1 Group committed to having an inclusive workplace?
Philip: The most important ingredient for an inclusive culture is respect for everybody, and that is exactly what AUTO1 Group has for each other and our customers. From my first day, I was openly out and have never received anything less than full respect and support from my colleagues and it permeates through the entire company. One great sign of this is the number of very engaged allies in the LGBTQ+ & Allies Community here.
Raph: With 102 different nationalities working for AUTO1 Group, I believe our diverse workforce has nurtured tolerance and open-mindedness. We are now actively promoting discussions on the wider spectrum to ensure everyone feels comfortable being their authentic selves. AUTO1 Group is not just diverse; we are dedicated to being an inclusive workplace where individuals can confidently embrace their identities.
Tell us how the idea of creating an LGBTQ+ & Allies Community came about. What are its objectives and what would you like to achieve?
Philip: I see AUTO1 facilitating employee network groups as a part of our growing up and maturing as a company. As we moved from being a small start-up team to a leading European multinational company, it made all the sense in the world to establish groups like the LGBTQ+ & Allies Community for employees to get together. Providing such spaces is now more important than ever as we are spread over 15+ HQs, 430+ purchase branches, and 10 production centers. I hope the Community will be active in providing networking and mentoring opportunities, raising internal awareness of LGBTQ+ issues, and representing AUTO1 Group within the LGBTQ+ world.
What are the main initiatives that the Community has launched so far, and what are the plans for next year?
Raph: One of our primary initiatives is the development of a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training program. Collaborating with the legal department, we aim to develop a compliance training program, focusing on several key areas to promote an inclusive workplace at AUTO1 Group. The program will cover understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion, legal and policy frameworks, types of harassment, cultural competence, communication skills, and building an inclusive culture. Our goal is to develop a program that emphasizes leadership's role, encourages understanding, and provides resources and support to foster an environment where individuals feel comfortable addressing issues.
Another significant initiative is promoting Inclusivity within AUTO1 Group. To position the company as an inclusive organization and attract more LGBTQ+ talent, we aim to spotlight our diverse community. This will involve featuring our LGBTQ+ members prominently and highlighting our inclusive policies on our career page and job postings. By doing so, we hope to showcase AUTO1 Group as a welcoming and supportive workplace for all.
Lastly, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant LGBTQ+ community by organizing more online and offline events. Through virtual forums and in-person gatherings, we aim to create meaningful connections and celebrate diversity. These events will provide opportunities for networking, support, and community building, further enhancing the inclusive culture at AUTO1 Group.
Join us in celebrating Pride Month and honoring the diversity that makes AUTO1 Group a vibrant and inclusive place to work! 🌈 For the latest events and community updates, like the upcoming AUTO1 Group Berlin CSD Pride Walk in July, stay connected through our social channels. To start your story, find the list of open positions on our careers page. We welcome applicants of all genders, ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds to apply.