2015 Diversity Leader
MUFG Union Bank
Headquarters: New York, New York
CEO: Katsumi Hatao
Employees: Approximately 13,700 in the Americas
Recent Recognition Includes:
- Top 10 Best ERGs, Elevate National ERG Summit
- 100 percent (perfect score) and Best Places to Work recognition, Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index
- Diversity Leader Award, Profiles in Diversity Journal
- Best Places to Work in the Bay Area (#9), San Francisco Business Times
- Top 10 Regional Companies for Diversity (#3; fourth consecutive year on list), DiversityInc magazine
George Ramirez
For this global financial leader, diversity is its competitive edge, and creating a relatable D&I strategy across a growing global footprint will be its next big challenge, says Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer George Ramirez.
“In July 2014, our parent company, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) integrated operations in the Americas. We became MUFG Union Bank, and my role changed dramatically. I now have the opportunity to guide the overall direction of the bank’s global D&I strategy.
“Today, my focus is on intentional inclusive behavior at all levels. This means that decision-makers and leaders within the organization have an opportunity to develop talent through an inclusionary lens. For example, at MUFG Union Bank, we take pride in our diverse workforce. Of the nearly 14,000 employees who make up our vast organization, 56 percent are women and 56 percent are ethnically diverse. Within those two groups are many other dimensions of diversity—culture, religion, sexual preference, and so on. We’re definitely diverse, but what’s important is how we leverage that diversity. By applying intentional inclusive behavior, our executives are taking the time to ask themselves, “Who should I focus on, who is ready for the next big assignment, or a promotion.” It’s an opportunity to help develop talent even more and prepare employees for their next career moves.
“Another example of how we intend to examine more challenges through a D&I lens was crystallized during a recent gathering of our HR colleagues from around the world. Our purpose was to discuss the issues faced by various regions, and identify D&I challenges and opportunities on a global scale. What we discovered in the course of our meeting—the real resounding message—was that we need to be regionally relevant in our work. The next phase in our company evolution must be to create a D&I strategy that is relatable to tens of thousands of employees on a global scale.
“It’s an exciting time for MUFG Union Bank. There is so much potential to make a difference in how we shape our future as a company, and the future of diversity and inclusion in general.”
