Dr Zaheer Ahmad

Zaheer Ahmad is a prominent voice in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Currently serving as the Head of Unifying Culture at BDO. With an extensive and distinguished career spanning senior DEI roles at prominent organisations like Haleon, GSK, Ernst & Young, and the UK Police Service, Zaheer has consistently driven impactful change across diverse Sectors.

A highly decorated former police officer, Zaheer served in multiple departments and was a member of five National Police boards, such as the Ministerial Progression Board and the National Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Board. His expertise extends beyond the police service, with advisory and non-executive positions at institutions such as the British Academy of Management, the National Health Service, and York St John University. Additionally, Zaheer is an externally appointed member of the Toyota Motor Europe Diversity Board and recently served as an advisor to a UK Government-supported independent task force aimed at boosting socio-economic diversity in financial and professional services.

Zaheer’s influence in football is also notable, having served as a Race Advisor to Arsenal Football Club and, since 2022, as an Independent Panel Member with the Premier League Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Standards. In this capacity, he supports all 20 Premier League clubs and numerous English Football League teams in embedding EDI principles throughout their organisations. He has also contributed to high-profile reports such as the Government-backed Parker Review and the FTSE 500 McKenzie-Delis Packer Review.

Recognised for his distinguished knowledge and impact in DEI, Zaheer has received over 35 awards and honours, including the Head of Diversity, European Diversity, Global Equality, and Ethnicity in the City Inspirational Leader Awards. He has been named on the Global Diversity Top 20 D&I Professionals list for three consecutive years.

In addition to his leadership roles, Zaheer serves as Head of the Judging Panel for both the British Diversity Awards and the European Diversity Awards. His influence and commitment to DEI were further acknowledged in 2024 when he was voted the most Inspirational and Influential DEI Leader by his industry peers and recognised among the Top 10 DEI Leaders to Follow by HRCap.