Insight

Race and accountability in the boardroom

Considerations for boards to help drive progress on diversity and systemic change.

Race and accountability in the boardroom

The wave of protests and social unrest following the death of George Floyd and others, along with the detrimental effects of COVID-19 and the economic downturn disproportionately affecting employees and communities of color, are driving a national dialogue and heightened consciousness of systemic racism and inequities. During a September 24 Board Leadership Center webcast, panelists discussed the pivotal question facing corporate America: What’s different this time?

This intensified awareness is driving critical conversations in boardrooms today: Is the company doing enough—using its financial resources, making its views known to policy makers, engaging in public/private partnerships—to make real and lasting changes to combat systemic bias and racism? Is the company leading by example— “walking the walk” —by driving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the business, including in the boardroom? 

Panelists discussed a number of considerations for boards to help drive diversity and systemic change.

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Race and accountability in the boardroom
Considerations for boards to help drive progress on diversity and systemic change.

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The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of KPMG LLP.

Webcast speakers

Victor Arias, Jr.

Victor Arias, Jr.

Managing Director, Diversified Search, Former Board Director, Popeye’s

Stephen L. Brown

Stephen L. Brown

Senior Advisor, KPMG Board Leadership Center, KPMG US

Dane E. Holmes

Dane E. Holmes

Co-Founder and CEO, Eskalera; Independent Director, KKR & Co., Inc.; former Global Head of Human Capital Management, Goldman Sachs

Gwen Houston

Gwen Houston

GM Houston Consulting, LLC, Former Chief D&I Officer, Microsoft

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