The Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
has just announced that Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants earned a 100% score on the
HRC Corporate Equality Index for a third consecutive year. Kimpton is the first
hospitality company to ever achieve a 100% score and the only hospitality group to
maintain its perfect rating for three years in a row.
"Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has always prided itself on the diversity of its
employees, which includes the gay and lesbian community," said Senior Vice President
of Human Resources Greg Smith. "We offer a progressive work environment that
demonstrates how much Kimpton truly cares about all of its employees, their families,
and the community in which they work."
Kimpton has initiated some of the most progressive outreach campaigns in North
America for the gay and lesbian community. The company supports dozens of LGBT
organizations nationally. In addition, Kimpton InTouch, the customer loyalty program,
encourages guests to join its LGBT guest list to receive a special community newsletter.
In the last year, nearly 10,000 Kimpton guests have joined the LGBT list.
September’s newsletter featured lesbian employee Elise Wiggins, executive chef of
Panzano Restaurant in Denver. "I've been with Kimpton Hotel & Restaurants for almost
three years now. Panzano has been such a success. We have won rave reviews from
the local press and have gained a huge following. As a woman and an out lesbian, I
would not be able to be free to express my art along with my personality and gain this
success if it weren't for Kimpton," said Wiggins. "Kimpton encourages me to be me.
The company provides a positive and supportive work environment, encouraging
creativity and positive growth."
“This year, more major American businesses received a perfect rating for equality and
fairness than in any other year,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe
Solmonese. “At an ever increasing pace, corporate executives understand that
supporting their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees is not only the right
thing to do but it is also good for business. The findings in this year’s report sends a
clear message that the American workplace is rapidly becoming more inclusive of
diversity.”
“Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants supports the efforts of HRC and is honored to be one of
the top places to work for LGBT employees,” said Smith. “As part of our value of
continuous improvement we will always be looking for ways to make Kimpton a great
place to work for all of our employees.”
