Governance
Governance
To drive the human capital strategy, including DEI efforts, MetLife’s Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) reports directly to the CEO and consults regularly with and updates MetLife’s Board of Directors and its committees on our human capital priorities. MetLife’s DEI efforts are led by the Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, who reports directly to the CEO and the CHRO. The reporting structure underscores the importance of inclusion and Employee Care to our culture and human capital strategy.
Global DEI Governance
Strong governance underpins how we make progress toward our 2030 DEI Commitments. This oversight helps maintain accountability and transparency in DEI performance. To promote enterprise-wide collaboration on our commitments and initiatives, we’ve formalized the practices deemed necessary to drive business results and achieve an equitable, inclusive work environment. We have established guidelines, including:
Global DEI Leadership Council
Chaired by MetLife’s President and CEO, Michel Khalaf, our Global DEI Leadership Council is a 20-member senior leadership body. The Council, which selects members based on their purpose-driven leadership and commitment to achieving results, drives DEI strategy and execution across businesses, functions and regions, and provides strategic guidance and insight to improve performance.
In addition to responsibilities within MetLife, members also participate in public events and thought leadership forums. In 2023, these included MetLife’s Triangle Tech X (TTX) Conference; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index; the Valor Games, a Paralympic sport competition for disabled, wounded, ill or injured veterans and service members; the Black Professionals Network annual symposium; and the annual New York University Tandon Veterans Future Lab Summit.
MetLife Leaders Acknowledged for Excellence
Members of MetLife’s Global DEI Leadership Council, as well as other senior leaders, were recognized for their roles in shaping DEI within their industry, area of expertise or business broadly. The following are examples of this recognition:
- CEO Michel Khalaf was recognized by nonprofit NPower for his significant contributions to creating a diverse and purpose-driven culture that gives everyone the opportunity to change the world through their work.
- Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Cindy Pace was named one of the 2023 Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion by Savoy Magazine.
- Prior to her retirement, CHRO Susan Podlogar was honored by the Red Shoe Movement with its Red Shoe Leader 2023 Award, which recognizes individuals, projects or organizations that have had an impact on the issue of gender inclusion.
- Head of Global Customer Service & Operations Merrilee Matchett was named as one of Digital Insurance's Women in Insurance Leadership honorees for 2023.
- MetLife Legal Plans CEO Ingrid Tolentino was named one of Latina Style Inc.’s Top 16 LATINA Corporate Executives of the Year in the Latina Style50 Awards. She also received a Silver Stevie® Award from the American Business Awards® in the Woman of the Year—Business Services Industries category.
