Hiring, promoting, and retaining diverse talent
We are committed to transparency in pursuit of a workforce that is representative of our global standing
We believe building a team that reflects the markets we operate in and the world we inhabit is essential to achieving our objectives. This work is intentional and requires introspection and honesty. It is with this in mind that we embrace a transparent process of setting goals, measuring progress, and pushing those goals even further.
We have adopted a formal approach to our diversity hiring practices by heightening senior leadership accountability through our annual goal-setting process, providing talent acquisition and interview training for leaders, and offering conscious inclusion training for all employees to create a greater awareness of the importance of diversity across the firm.
Our commitment to diversity across all levels of the firm starts at the top, evidenced by the fact that HarbourVest compares favorably relative to the industry overall in terms of diversity in leadership roles, where just under 14% of all senior positions in the private equity industry are held by women.⁵
HarbourVest employee demographics6
Overall
Women
Asian, Black, Latine, Native American, or 2+ races
Senior leadership
Women
Asian, Black, Latine, Native American, or 2+ races
Managing Directors
Women
Asian, Black, Latine, Native American, or 2+ races
2021 hiring and retention rates7
New hires
Women
Asian, Black, Latine, Native American, or 2+ races
Retention
Women
Asian, Black, Latine, Native American, or 2+ races
Mark Reale Head of Global Human Resources
A true commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion requires an equal commitment to accountability and transparency. We cannot have one without the other. Being accountable for the actions we take and transparent around the outcomes we achieve is the surest path to success."
SEO and #10000BlackInterns: Investing in future leaders
In the summer of 2021, we proudly launched a partnership with Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) and #10000BlackInterns to develop opportunities at HarbourVest for high achieving students who are typically underrepresented in our industry. We believe this program combines the strength of our inclusive heritage with an understanding that sowing the seeds of future growth begins with the mentorship of young professionals. In line with our broader DEI strategy, this exciting initiative is in place to both expand our talent pool and help us identify and develop untapped potential at the earliest stages of their careers.
Carl Payne Internship Program Manager
"We want to cast a wider net to attract the best and brightest talent, regardless of background, ethnicity, or sexual orientation, and give them a great learning experience at HarbourVest as they’re starting their careers. I think the ultimate payoff will be to look around our firm five or ten years from now and see the diverse, skilled, talented team that we’ve helped build.
