HarperCollins UK has appointed Saima Akbar as Senior Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I). In her new role, she will be instrumental in driving HarperCollins’ strategy for diversity, inclusion, and belonging, working closely with the people team, senior executives, and CEO Charlie Redmayne. She will report to
John Athanasiou, Director of People.
Akbar was previously Diversity & Inclusion Senior Project Manager at The Telegraph Media Group where she effectively implemented policies and programs across various areas, including social impact, gender equity, and disability awareness. Prior to her time at The Telegraph, Saima was a Management Consultant at PwC and KPMG, focusing on equity initiatives.
Athanasiou said: “I am delighted that Saima will be joining us in this crucial role. Saima brings invaluable and relevant experience from her time in the Telegraph Media Group, and will help us drive positive inclusive change as we work to continue making HarperCollins a more diverse and inclusive workplace.”
Akbar said: “As someone who cares passionately about making the workplace more inclusive for everyone, I couldn’t be more delighted to join the team at HarperCollins. Joining an organisation of this calibre presents many exciting opportunities to deliver impactful, innovative change and I’m looking forward to building on the fantastic initiatives which have already been delivered. It’s inspiring to see the genuine commitment to progress that HarperCollins demonstrates and I can’t wait to get stuck in.”
