Catalyst Welcomes Loaned Shell Executive Graham Sparks (Media Release)

New York and Zurich, November 27, 2018—Catalyst, the global expert on accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion, announced today that Graham Sparks, until recently Vice President Diversity and Inclusion at Royal Dutch Shell, has joined the organization as a Loaned Senior Executive. Mr. Sparks will work closely with Catalyst’s President and CEO Lorraine Hariton as well as other Catalyst executives on several strategic areas related to business growth and mission advancement.

”We are excited to welcome Graham, whose extensive global D&I expertise will be a tremendous asset to Catalyst as we work toward our goal of accelerating progress for women in the workplace,” said Ms. Hariton. “Royal Dutch Shell’s willingness to share one of its star leaders with Catalyst is a testament to its continued commitment to creating inclusive workplaces that help women advance and thrive.”

Mr. Sparks’ long career with Shell spans roles in HR including business partnering, talent, and learning as well as sales, marketing, and business management within the chemicals business sector. He is a chemical engineer by profession and holds a Master’s in Business Management from Manchester Business School. Mr. Sparks is a long-term supporter of Catalyst, serving as a member of the Catalyst Europe Advisory Board. He also serves on the advisory boards of Women’s International Networking, Workplace Pride, and the Community Business D&I in Asia Network.

“Businesses and industries need to attract the best talent and enable those individuals to take opportunities, thrive and fulfill their potential,” said Mr. Sparks. “Embracing diversity in all its forms will be how businesses succeed and navigate through challenging times. It makes good business sense to support and empower women at every stage of their career, and Catalyst is here to help organizations do just that.”

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About Catalyst

Catalyst is a global nonprofit working with some of the world’s most powerful CEOs and leading companies to help build workplaces that work for women. Founded in 1962, Catalyst drives change with pioneering research, practical tools, and proven solutions to accelerate and advance women into leadership—because progress for women is progress for everyone.