UKI CEO Gary Harrold Receives 2025 Inclusive Leadership Award

Gary Harrold, CEO of SPS UK and Ireland, has been named Chief Executive of the Year at the 2025 Inclusive Awards, organised by Inclusive Companies. The award recognises his leadership in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within SPS and reflects the organisation’s structured, long-term approach to embedding inclusion into governance, culture and decision-making. 

Gary laid the foundation for SPS’ diversity and inclusion initiative, first recognising a gap in our UKI EDI capability in 2022. He proactively commissioned the company’s first external EDI audit, taking the first step on the data-driven strategy that continues to shape our corporate culture today.

A major milestone in our inclusion strategy was the creation of a full-time EDI Manager— a first not only for the UKI business but for SPS globally. By placing this role within the UKI extended leadership team, Gary ensured that EDI remains a permanent agenda item at the board level. 

Gary transformed insights into purposeful initiatives by driving the creation of our first employee network group, SWAN (SPS Women’s Alliance Network). His proactive engagement and involvement ensured that SWAN launched with purpose and visibility. Since then, the network group initiative has expanded to include groups for LGBTQ+ employees, neurodiverse talent and culturally diverse communities.

Gary has personally continued his support of diversity and inclusion by supporting various talks, campaigns and causes. He championed our race equality panel talk, promoting it across the business and encouraging participation in a powerful discussion on lived experiences of racism and discrimination.

Gary is also a strong advocate for men’s health and led our Movember campaign, launching a leadership fundraising page, growing a moustache and hosting a powerful panel on men’s mental health.

Gary’s EDI leadership is defined by authenticity, humility, and unwavering commitment. He leads by example, consistently using his platform to elevate others and embed inclusion into the fabric of the business making it a strategic imperative. His active sponsorship celebrates progress and ensures inclusion remains central to decision-making.

To win the award is a fantastic personal achievement, but it’s also a recognition of the journey SPS has been on – and this is only the beginning. The diversity of our workforce brings so much value, and the ability to tap into that talent is an opportunity we are committed to pursuing. Gary Harrold, CEO, SPS UK and Ireland