With the introduction of a new Solvay Leadership Community and the publication of the male/female salary ratios of managerial positions throughout the Group, Solvay is taking significant steps to foster inclusion, equity and diversity. This will ensure that a diverse range of voices and experiences are called upon to influence the direction of the Group, and that transparency and open dialogue surrounding fair pay is increased.

The new Solvay Leadership Community (SLC) comprises some 50 leaders and is purposefully diverse, with a focus on gender parity. Women make up 49% of the decision-making body. The SLC will convene regularly to share experiences and work collectively to shape the future of Solvay.

“I am really excited to bond more closely with this new group, and I am convinced that by accelerating gender parity at the top, we will attract and retain talents and therefore perform better,” said Solvay CEO Ilham Kadri.

As a further step towards securing a more equitable workplace, Solvay’s Annual Report will, from this year onward, provide transparency on the salary ratios of managerial positions throughout the Group.

For 2021, the average unadjusted salary ratio between female and male employees in our six largest locations - Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Italy and the US - is .95 for Junior Management, .95 for Middle Management and .96 to 1.00 for Senior Management (where the average pay of male employees is 1.00). These salary ratios are unadjusted, meaning they do not take into consideration performance, experience or skills, for example.

“Solvay believes in and abides by the principles of equal pay for work of equal value, from our entry roles to our senior positions, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or any other irrelevant distinction,” explained Nathalie van Ypersele, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “Identifying, disclosing and closing unwanted structural pay gaps is a key objective of our larger Solvay One Dignity commitments to create an equitable, inclusive and diverse work environment.”