Diageo Recognized by Human Rights Campaign as ‘Best Place to Work’ for Fifth Year in a Row

NORWALK, CT – Diageo, the world’s leading premium spirits, wine and beer company, is pleased to announce it has earned a perfect score in the annual Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index (CEI) survey for the fifth consecutive year. The CEI is an annual report produced by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest advocacy group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. With another perfect score of 100, Diageo was once again recognized as one of the “Best Places to Work” and listed as one of the top companies that support equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for the fifth year running, especially given this year’s increased requirements for the index,” said Larry Schwartz, President, Diageo North America. “I am proud that Diageo continues to provide equitable benefits for LGBT employees and consistently contributes in very positive ways to the LGBT community and culture.”

In addition, Diageo has been recognized for its Diversity Council and employee resource groups (ERGs). Diageo’s Rainbow Network was one of the first ERGs at the company and remains one of its most active.”

“As an employee, I experience Diageo’s ongoing commitment to diversity on a daily basis,” said Calvin Burwell who leads Diageo’s Rainbow Network alongside his day job as Director, Consumer Planning and Research. “Diageo’s Rainbow Network receives outstanding support throughout the Diageo community extending to the highest levels of the organization. I am truly proud to be a part of a company that energizes its ERGs to make a difference in the lives of employees.”

Each year, the CEI provides an in-depth analysis and rating of large US employers and their policies and practices pertinent to LGBT employees, consumers and investors.

Diageo’s has been recognized multiple times in 2012 as a top employer, including a citation in Diversity MBA Magazine’s “50 Out Front for Diversity Leadership: Best Places for Diverse Managers To Work” and Working Mother magazine’s “100 Best Companies” list. Additionally, Christina Ruggiero, Vice President, Procurement, was recognized in DiversityPlus Magazine’s “2012 Top 25 Women in Power Impacting Diversity” for her work in driving diversity both internally and externally.

About HRC Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

For more information on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2008 Corporate Equality Index, visitwww.HRC.org/CEI.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J?B, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.