GLOBAL snacking giant pladis has instituted a global advisory board on inclusion and diversity.

The four-member board includes Olympic champion Kelly Holmes, paralympic medalist and TV presenter Ade Adepitan, writer Alastair Campbell and Stevie Spring, chair of the mental health charity, Mind.

The company said the advisory board members will work with senior pladis leaders to provide strategic counsel and advice, supporting its mission to build an inclusive and diverse business globally.

“As we continue to build a culture that celebrates our differences and values inclusion, we must be challenged by both our colleagues and by external voices. That is one of the key reasons for setting up this board,” commented Salman Amin, pladis chief executive.

Amin added that he “care deeply” about the cause and consider it important the workforce reflects the diverse customer base of the business, which is home to a wide range of global brands including McVitie’s, Ulker and GODIVA.

“My mission is to ensure pladis is a place where diverse, bright, ambitious and passionate people come and thrive. I am truly excited about how Dame Kelly, Ade, Alastair and Stevie will help us on our critical journey to being a more inclusive and diverse workplace.”

The board members are expected to share best practices and learnings to build the right roadmap for pladis.

The business has already made several initiatives in the field by becoming signatories of The Valuable 500, BITC: Race at Work Charter and working in partnership with MSDUK to ensure greater representation of ethnic minority businesses throughout the supply chain.

“Bringing external thinking into the organisation is critical for us if we are to make a difference. If we want to make real change, we must push ourselves further and by convening these minds and listening to their outside perspectives, we will be able to do just that,” said Anisa Missaghi, global head of corporate affairs and communications at pladis.