Gender balance one of the priorities for Lagardère Travel Retail Italia
VELIA BERARDI
Operations Vice-President - Duty Free & Luxury, Lagardère Travel Retail Italia
What are the main advantages of a balanced management team?
Velia Berardi : “Diversity encourages differentiation, creativity and profitability. Our management team reflects society and, as Travel Retail operators, we need to embody its diversity. A balanced team is in the best position to respond to the expectations of a society that is diverse itself, identify new opportunities and ensure greater profitability. The more diverse an organisation is, the better it is able to perform. As an employer, we need to promote this investment in diversity: it is a factor in our commitment and growth.”
SILVIA PICCOLO
Human Resources Development Manager, Lagardère Travel Retail Italia
What measures have been taken to promote gender balance?
Silvia Piccolo : “In 2020, we achieved an almost equal balance within our Executive Committee with 46% women and 54% men. Representation of women in management positions is also high at head office (39%) and on an operational level (67%). We recently entered into an agreement with our employees in order to encourage a work-life balance and combat violence in the workplace. This agreement supports parental leave, part-time working after having a child and paid leave for adopting or caring for a dependent. We also offer free legal assistance for victims of violence or harassment.”
Aelia Duty Free employees, Palermo airport (Italy).
With 46% women and 54% men, Lagardère Travel Retail Italia’s Executive Committee is almost equally balanced.