Hilton Wins Supplier Diversity Award at Global P&SC Awards
Hilton has won the Supplier Diversity Award at The Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards 2024.
Hilton's procurement arm, Hilton Supply Management (HSM), has made significant strides in supplier diversity, earning the top spot on Fair360's Top Companies for Supplier Fairness.
The company's Supplier Diversity Programme has fostered relationships with over 2,200 diverse and small businesses, resulting in a remarkable 47% year-on-year increase in diverse spend, totalling US$467m in 2023.
HSM's approach to supplier diversity is multifaceted, focusing on internal advocacy, reportable targets, external partnerships and annual programming. The company has set an ambitious goal to double sourcing from diverse suppliers by 2030, aiming to achieve US$1bn in diverse spending.
Notably, HSM has implemented innovative initiatives to support diverse suppliers. In an industry first, it partnered with Bridge to simplify loan searches and connect suppliers with affordable capital. The company has also modified payment terms and insurance caps for certified small and diverse suppliers, demonstrating a commitment to their financial stability.
To ensure accountability, Hilton established a Supplier Diversity Council in 2023 and integrated specific key performance indicators into their business plan. The company's Board of Directors monitors progress on inclusive procurement, underscoring its importance at the highest levels of the organisation.
HSM's efforts extend beyond financial support. It hosts an annual Supplier Diversity Summit, offering training, networking opportunities and a US$10,000 Supplier Advancement Fund grant.
The company's leadership actively participates in industry organisations, influencing best practices for diversity and inclusion.
These efforts have yielded tangible results. In 2023, HSM awarded a US$45m annual contract to Sobel Westex, a certified Minority Business Enterprise, for US terry supplies. This deal exemplified HSM's commitment to transparency and fair practices in large-scale procurement.
While HSM's work has garnered 24 industry awards in 2023, the true measure of success lies in the positive feedback from diverse suppliers who have benefited from their inclusive approach to procurement.
The awards
Launched in 2024, The Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards 2024 debuted at Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London on 24, September.
The comprehensive programme acknowledges companies, professionals and projects that have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation and strategic thinking in a multitude of categories.
The awards celebrate the best companies, professionals and projects in procurement and supply chain and offer free entry for charities and NGOs.
“It was an honour to spotlight such a wide range of incredible companies at the inaugural Global Procurement & Supply Chain Awards,” said Glen White, CEO of BizClik, Procurement Magazine and Supply Chain Digital.
“At a time where it is crucial that companies are getting their global sourcing, risk & resilience and technology strategies right, it's important to celebrate the successes of those who have implemented and developed the key supply chain, procurement and logistics programs, especially when it has a positive impact on sustainable supply chains in the future.
“To host the awards during Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London is an incredible moment for the sector to celebrate, we encourage many more companies to enter our Awards for 2025.
“Thanks to every company that entered - it's important that you stay focused, motivated and continuously innovative and I am excited to see so much more of Generative AI when we meet again in a year.
And a Big Congratulations to every company who entered, those that are highly commended and of course to our 14 winners – we appreciate your input more than you know.”
The Supplier Diversity Award
Celebrating companies that excel in the promotion and support of a diverse supplier base through inclusive procurement practices.
- How has the company demonstrated a strong commitment to supplier diversity by actively sourcing and engaging with diverse suppliers?
- What initiatives, programs, or policies has the company implemented to promote and increase the participation of diverse suppliers in its procurement processes?
- How has the company established measurable goals and benchmarks to track and drive continuous improvement in supplier diversity?
- How has the company effectively communicated and collaborated with diverse suppliers to foster mutually beneficial partnerships and promote supplier development?
Shortlisted companies included:
- Covenant Logistics Group
- Hilton
- Qalara
Highly Commended: Qalara & Covenant
In an era where supply chain resilience and ethical sourcing are paramount, two companies are making significant strides in supplier diversity. Covenant, a global logistics firm and Qalara, an Indian B2B platform for conscious products, are reshaping procurement practices with their innovative approaches.
Covenant has implemented a strategic initiative to integrate minority, women, veteran and disability-owned businesses into its supply chain. This deliberate engagement has yielded tangible benefits, enhancing operational flexibility and fostering innovation. The company's approach includes rigorous tracking mechanisms and partnerships with diversity-focused organisations, ensuring continuous improvement in their supplier diversity goals.
A standout example of Covenant's strategy is its collaboration with a minority-owned tech firm, which has markedly improved logistics efficiency. This partnership, highlighted in Covenant's DEIB book, demonstrates the measurable advantages of embracing diverse suppliers.
Meanwhile, Qalara is revolutionising the artisanal goods market by connecting over 125,000 artisans from India, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam with global buyers. The platform showcases more than 80 production techniques and 200 materials, offering over 100,000 ethically produced products to buyers in 55 countries.
Qalara's commitment to supplier diversity is evident in its inclusive approach. The platform lists ethical sellers free of charge and provides complimentary cataloguing services. An MOU with the Fair Trade Forum further encourages Fair Trade sellers to join without fees. Qalara also supports artisan growth through design consultation and quality improvement initiatives.
The impact of Qalara's efforts is clear in the testimonials from their sellers. One artisan group expanded from 15 to 100 women workers after securing a large order through the platform. Another seller praised Qalara's role in motivating artisans and maintaining business flow during challenging times.
Both companies demonstrate that supplier diversity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. By fostering inclusive supply chains, Covenant and Qalara are setting new standards in procurement practices, proving that diversity and business success go hand in hand.
The Global SProcurement & Supply Chain Awards 2024
Thanks to our esteemed panel of industry leaders who judged the awards:
- Jim Townsend, VP of Property & Procurement at Asda
- Alisa Bornstein, Chief Procurement Officer at Visa
- Daniel Weise, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group
- Benn Godfrey, Vice President of Procurement at Rolls Royce
- Roger Waring, Head of Procurement at UK Power Networks
- Jacqui Rock, Chief Commercial Officer at NHS England
- David Loseby, Professor of Research Impact in Supply Chain Management at Leeds University Business School
- Sheri Hinish, Principal/Senior Partner, Global Consulting Sustainability Technology and Ecosystems Leader at EY
- Brooke DiNatale, SVP of Global Treasury Solutions at Mastercard
The full list of awards categories for 2024 is:
- Procurement Transformation Award
- Digital Supply Chain
- Global Logistics Award
- Supplier Diversity Award
- Supply Chain Innovation
- Supply Chain Sustainability
- Procurement Technology
- Procurement Consultancy
- Future Leader
- Executive of the Year
- Project of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement
- Social Enterprise
- Start-up
Essential diary dates for 2024 and 2025…
Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE continues to expand its repertoire of events, with more to come in 2024 and 2025. Discover our essential diary dates below.
2024 diary dates:
- Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE | 6 November 2024
2025 diary dates:
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Singapore | 11 February 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: Scope 3 | 5-6 March 2025
- Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE | 5-6 March 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Dubai | 29 April 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE Chicago | 4-5 June 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE London | 23-24 September 2025
- Procurement & Supply Chain Awards | 24 September 2025
- Manufacturing & Mobility LIVE Chicago | 4 November 2025
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