AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM), a leading global asset manager and committed to responsible investing, announces the recertification at its EDGE Move level, recognizing its diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments in the workplace. In addition, this year, AXA IM has been awarded EDGEplus for introducing an intersectional approach to its evaluations by expanding its diversity analysis to include non-binary gender identities, age, and nationality.
Having first earned the EDGE Move Certification in 2022, AXA IM continues to demonstrate significant progress toward fostering a gender-equitable environment. This certification, the second of three levels, underscores AXA IM’s ongoing efforts and achievements in integrating ESG principles as both an employer and an investor.
EDGE is the leading global assessment and business certification for gender and intersectional equity. The rigorous certification process includes a thorough third-party review of gender representation, pay equity, the effectiveness of policies and practices, and the inclusiveness of the organization’s culture.
Key highlights
- Proportionate Retention of Talent: AXA IM has successfully retained talent proportionately in France, Germany, the UK, and the US, meeting EDGE standards in this crucial area of balanced gender representation.
- Equal Pay for Equivalent Work: AXA IM ensures equal pay for equivalent work in all assessed countries, supported by effective recruitment and promotion policies.
- Gender Composition of the Non-Executive Board and P&L Roles: AXA IM meets EDGE standards for the gender composition of its non-executive board and P&L roles in all assessed countries, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive leadership and balanced gender representation in key decision-making roles.
- Flexible Working Policies: AXA IM’s flexible working policies have been recognized across all assessed countries, contributing significantly to a positive organizational culture whilst accommodating diverse employees needs.
- Positive Organizational Culture and Employee Perceptions: AXA IM has been acknowledged for maintaining a positive organizational culture that meets EDGE standards. Employees have positively rated the hiring process and indicated they would recommend AXA IM to both men and women.
Intersectional Diversity Integration
In the recent assessment, AXA IM has broadened its diversity analysis by incorporating three additional indicators: non-binary gender identities, age, and nationality into its employee survey. This intersectional approach enriches the understanding of diverse experiences within the organization, paving the way for more inclusive and comprehensive DE&I strategies.
Continued Commitment
AXA IM will continue to collaborate with EDGE to measure its progress and identify areas for improvement, ensuring sustained advancement in equity, diversity, and inclusion within the organization.
Voices of leadership
Frédéric Clément, Global Head of Human Resources at AXA IM, said: “Achieving the EDGE Move Certification again in 2024 and receiving the EDGEplus Certification for intersectionality mark a significant achievement for us and acknowledge our continued work to cultivate a more gender-equitable workplace and to promote our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
This recertification underscores our dedication to creating a workplace where all employees can thrive. Although our progress is strong, we remain committed to continuous improvement, and we will work closely with EDGE to identify actions to further enhance both equitable career progression and our inclusive culture at AXA IM.”
Marco Morelli, Executive Chairman of AXA Investment Managers, also commented: “We always aim to act on our convictions, so I am very proud of this achievement. Gender equality is a key area of focus for AXA IM and this recertification sends a strong message to our industry peers, prospective talent, and our employees that we are firmly committed to our ESG values. It also showcases our concrete actions towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse workplace.”
Aniela Unguresan, Founder of EDGE Certified Foundation, added: “AXA IM’s recertification for EDGE Move and EDGEplus is proof of its intentional and prioritized approach to creating a respectful and inclusive workplace for all. We applaud AXA IM’s unwavering commitment to DE&I as a pillar of sustainable business success. We recognize the strength of its current results and the improvements over the last two years in gender and intersectional equity. As a leading ESG investor, AXA IM consistently demonstrates how ESG principles are woven into its practices as both a responsible employer and investor, setting a benchmark for others in the industry.”
AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM) is a leading global asset manager offering a diverse range of global investment opportunities in both alternative and traditional asset classes. Through our products we aim to diversify and grow portfolios while delivering long-term investment performance and value for clients.
AXA IM manages approximately €859 billion in assets*, and has €480 billion of ESG-integrated, sustainable or impact assets**. Our purpose is to act for human progress by investing for what matters. As a responsible asset manager, we are committed to integrating ESG principles across our business, from stock selection to our corporate actions and culture.
Part of the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, AXA IM employs over 2,800 employees and operates from 23 offices in 18 countries globally**.
*As at the end of March 2024, including non-consolidated entities.
** As at the end of December 2023.