American Express Canada named one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers for second year in a row

American Express Recognized as a Leading Company that Supports Inclusiveness and Diversity in the Workplace

TORONTO, March 28, 2017 /CNW/ - American Express Canada is proud to be recognized for the second year in a row as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers. This distinguished competition awarded Amex for its outstanding diversity and inclusion programs, including those that support the advancement and progress of women in the workplace.

"At American Express, we foster an inclusive work environment where differences are embraced and the full spectrum of diversity is recognized," says Catherine Finley, Vice President of Human Resources at American Express Canada. "We know that having a diverse employee base not only enhances the employee experience, but it also helps us better connect with and serve our customers."

American Express' Women at Amex initiative, which is aimed at supporting the development and advancement of women in corporate Canada, continues to be a key strategic driver for the company's focus on gender diversity. In support of this initiative, Amex holds various internal and external opportunities to help employees reach their full potential. Among the most recent include self-development workshops led by Women of Influence, company-wide panel discussions with female senior leaders, and ongoing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities at all levels of the company.

Currently, women represent 57 per cent of all Amex Canada employees, 43 per cent of the senior leadership team and 50 per cent of the board of directors. "It's clear that we have strong female representation amongst our talent pool, so giving senior leaders a chance to network and help build the next generation of female leaders continues to be an important focus for us," says Finley.

Employee networks at American Express also play an integral role in further building the company's inclusive culture. There are currently 9 employee network chapters at Amex Canada, which over 500 employees participate in, that actively support diversity –Women's Interest Network, Women in Technology, HOLA (Hispanic Origin & Latin American), ANA (Asian Network at AXP), BEN (Black Employees Network), PRIDE, SALT (Christian Employee Network at Amex), Families at Amex, and the newly formed Millennial Network.

Externally, American Express continues to develop a range of partnerships with organizations that support its diversity initiatives, including Forward Together, Women of Influence, Catalyst, the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) and the Women's Executive Network (WXN).

About American Express Canada
American Express in Canada operates as Amex Bank of Canada and Amex Canada Inc. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the New York based American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., the largest operating unit of the American Express Company. Amex Bank of Canada is the issuer of American Express charge and credit cards, with outstanding products like The SimplyCash™ Card from American Express®, The American Express® Gold Rewards Card, and the American Express® AIR MILES®* Credit Card. American Express opened its first offices in Toronto and Hamilton in 1853. For more information, visit AmericanExpress.ca or connect with us at Facebook.com/AmericanExpressCanada and YouTube.com/AmericanExpressCAD.

SOURCE American Express Canada

Jennifer Beckstead, American Express Canada, [email protected], 437-836-6856