Diageo Turkey achieved its goal of balanced male-female representation in management 10 years ahead of its global schedule. The company reached the 50/50 balanced representation target, originally set for 2030, in 2020. Bahar Uçanlar, who was appointed as Diageo Turkey’s first female general manager in April 2024, shared her evaluations on equal opportunity, women breaking glass ceilings, and transformation in the business world.
Diageo Turkey has long been carrying out comprehensive studies to increase women's participation in the workforce and ensure balanced representation in management. Bahar Uçanlar emphasizes that when equal opportunity is provided, it is possible to encounter successful female leaders in all sectors.
Today, the company is known among the institutions in Turkey that have "no glass ceiling." While 32% of all employees at Diageo Turkey are women, the ratio of female managers has reached 50%. Half of the 10-member board of directors are also women.
Uçanlar states, “We reached the '50/50 Balanced Representation in Management' goal we set for 2030 in 2020,” expressing that this success is the result of a long-term and determined policy.
The equality achieved in management is also reflected in the field. The ratio of female employees in Diageo Turkey's vineyards has reached 86%. Aiming to carry the male-female balance at the headquarters to the factories as well, the company prioritizes female candidates in new employment areas.
Although the female employee ratio in factories is currently at 16%, improvements in working environments, joint projects with unions, and inclusive practices are being implemented to increase this rate. The efforts in this field have also been recognized with an award within the Diageo global organization.
Gender equality at Diageo Turkey is not limited to numerical targets. The company uses inclusive language in all areas, from social media communication to job postings; it adopts staying away from discrimination based on gender, language, religion, or ethnic origin as a fundamental principle.
While a clear framework is drawn to support female employees under all circumstances through the “Policy and Handbook on Violence Against Women,” the principle of equal pay for equal work is implemented as a priority at all levels. Including stakeholders in internal inclusivity events ensures that this approach is embedded in the corporate culture.
Bahar Uçanlar emphasizes that diversity and inclusion are among the cornerstones of doing business at Diageo Turkey. Stating that she is proud to be part of an organization where talent is evaluated independently of gender, Uçanlar says that courageous leadership and supportive environments make a difference.
Acknowledging that there is still a way to go for true equal opportunity, Uçanlar believes that diversity means taking bolder, more innovative, and more inclusive decisions. Diageo Turkey continues its work for a business world where equality is not just a goal, but a lived reality.
