AIMS International Strengthens Commitment to DEIB, Signs AESC Diversity Pledge and Joins Europe & Africa IDEA Council

AIMS International is proud to commit to driving diversity, equity, and inclusion  by signing the AESC Diversity Pledge. This pledge embodies our commitment to the Accelerate, Educate, Advance, and Advocate principles in enhancing diversity in leadership roles across the globe.

In line with this commitment, we are delighted to announce that Leonie Pentz O'Connor, our Global Sustainability Lead and Managing Partner at AIMS South Africa, has been invited to join the AESC Europe & Africa Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Council. Her appointment is a big step forward in our efforts toward sustainable and inclusive leadership.

The AESC Diversity Pledge is built on four key principles that align with our values:

• Accelerate: We commit to accelerating the pace of change by proactively seeking diverse candidates for leadership positions, ensuring that our client companies benefit from a wide array of perspectives and talents.
• Educate: Our organization will invest in education and training to raise awareness about unconscious biases and promote an inclusive culture. This includes workshops, seminars, and ongoing learning opportunities for our consultants and clients.
• Advance: We pledge to advance DEI by advocating for policies and practices that support equal opportunities, fair treatment, and the advancement of underrepresented groups within our firm and in the executive search industry at large.
• Advocate: AIMS International will actively participate in discussions, share best practices, and advocate for systemic change within the industry to make DEI an integral part of executive search processes.

The appointment of Leonie Pentz O'Connor to the AESC Europe & Africa IDEA Council speaks volumes about her commitment to sustainability and DEI. She will bring her expertise in sustainability leadership to the council, contributing to policies and practices that help create an environment where diversity is not just celebrated but actively pursued.

"This pledge further commits us to working with our clients in strengthening their executive teams by placing and developing  leaders with a sustainability mindset " explains Leonie Pentz O'Connor. "As a member of the AESC Europe & Africa IDEA Council, I humbly  look forward to contributing to meaningful change in our industry and the broader business community while learning from like-minded leaders on the Council."

Looking Forward:

As AIMS International, we are committed to doing responsible business.. By signing the AESC Diversity Pledge and with Leonie’s appointment to the IDEA Council, we are taking concrete steps toward building a resilient future by developing responsible leadership. We urge our clients, partners, and the wider community to join us on this journey to make the executive search industry more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. This initiative complements our sustainability and leadership development programs, reflecting our holistic approach to building leadership for future impact.