The 7-Eleven family of brands strongly embraces diversity, equity and inclusion (DE+I). Not just because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s good for business, too. According to McKinsey & Company research, companies that champion diversity are more likely to outperform their industry peers in profitability and other key metrics.

In 2020, 7-Eleven, Inc. formalized its DE+I commitment with an overarching strategy focused on three core pillars: workplace culture, diverse talent and community engagement.

“These pillars are the guideposts for our DE+I journey. And while we still have much more work to do, it’s important to acknowledge our progress—both as a company and as an industry—and the opportunities that remain,” says Larry Hughes, vice president, corporate human resources and DE+I, 7-Eleven, Inc. “In the case of 7-Eleven, I’m referring to how we’re positively impacting customers, franchisees and employees by ensuring that our family of brands continues to be a welcoming place for all.”

Hughes also notes that 7-Eleven’s customers are as diverse as the unique neighborhoods that their stores serve and that the company’s DE+I efforts are essential to fulfilling the company’s mission of providing customers what they want—when, where and how they want it.

“It’s all about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives to drive innovation and, ultimately, a great experience for our customers,” he adds.

Join Larry and Kent Montgomery, senior vice president, industry relations and multicultural development at PepsiCo, at the 2023 NACS Show in Atlanta on October 3 at 2:30 p.m. ET for their session “Building a Culture of Diversity and Inclusion Among Customers and the Workforce.”

In this discussion, to be moderated by HudsonLake’s Kristin Kelly, Larry and Kent will discuss the latest DE+I trends, data and what it means for the convenience retail industry. They will also delve into their companies’ respective DE+I journey and the initiatives they lead to drive meaningful diversity outcomes and build cultures of inclusion among their employees, partners, customers and communities. In addition, Larry and Kent will shed light on how 7-Eleven and PepsiCo continue to evolve their DE+I agendas and what the convenience industry can do to take its DE+I efforts to the next level.