Mairead Nayager, Diageo's chief HR officer, said in a press release that achieving gender equality in the workplace required "fundamental changes" to a range of working practices. "Today's announcement is about matching ambition with action and supporting all of our colleagues — regardless of gender — to experience the joy of raising a young family while continuing to thrive at work," she said. The company's new policy also strengthens support for new parents as they prepare to return to work, Diageo said, with optional keeping in touch days, parental coaching, and flexible working policies.