Meet our new Diversity Agenda Programme Director

We're delighted to welcome Charlotte Downes to the ACE New Zealand team as our new Diversity Agenda Programme Director. 

Tell us a little bit about your background

My work story started in talent acquisition, where I enjoyed helping organisations build diverse teams in various cities around the world. Following my return to New Zealand, I led the Diversity and Inclusion programme at Air New Zealand before moving to Auckland Transport to lead the mahi in people experience and internal communications. I’ve got two kids, Hunter & Harper (that does get confusing!) and I’m looking forward to leading the Diversity Agenda into its next evolution.

What excites you about your new role and some of the opportunities it presents?

I’m excited to be working with a group of passionate people on a programme making the industry and the people who work within its lives better. We know there is still a pay gap and an under representation of women and ethnic minorities in senior positions amongst other challenges. It excites me that collectively we have the power to create diverse industries and ensure everyone working in an engineering and architecture firm feels safe and valued in their workplaces - which will have a positive impact on the bottom line too.

What is next for the Diversity Agenda?

The Diversity Agenda is at an inflection point. There is strong awareness and empowerment, we now need to move to action. With a newly established industry-led steering group, there’s a real opportunity to firm up our plan, set targets and be bold. We’ll need everyone on board, it’ll mean getting out there and recruiting our networks who aren’t yet on the journey and being committed to taking action within our organisations, which will ultimately help us to achieve truly diverse and inclusive industries.

You can contact her at [email protected]