US’ Berry, manufacturers of innovative packaging and engineered products, has appointed Anastasia Matthews as vice president, global diversity and inclusion/corporate human resources. In her new role, Matthews is leading Berry’s executive D&I council and D&I global workgroup in the development and execution of an updated diversity and inclusion strategy.

The new strategy will seek to advance the company’s commitment to fostering an environment that is inclusive of a broad range of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences represented among its employees, customers, and suppliers. Diversity and inclusion are integral to Berry’s leadership, team performance and cohesion, and ability to innovate and maintain a competitive advantage for the future.

The appointment of Matthews will help strengthen the company’s role as an advocate for its team members by ensuring all are accepted and have the opportunity to thrive and equally contribute to the success of the company. The updated D&I strategy will incorporate a broad range of team member perspectives, developed through qualitative and quantitative measures, to help create the greatest impact across four key strategic pillars: people and talent, community, culture and market, the company said in a press release.

“We are passionate about and committed to diversity and inclusion because it supports engagement, empathy, innovation, organisational growth and so much more. Recognising the progress we’ve made to date, I look forward to enhancing our commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture where our global workforce feels welcomed, valued, and respected with the space to develop and grow with a focused strategy and measured approach,” Matthews said.

“As an organisation, we continually work to ensure that the unique identities, talents, skills, and experiences of our employees are welcomed, respected and fully utilised, not only as an employer of 46,000 people around the globe, but also for the growing expectations of our global customers and other key stakeholders. Matthews’ appointment to the role of vice president – global diversity & inclusion/corporate human resources was a natural next step for her and our company, as this position will enable us to continue evolving and shaping a culture of belonging across our global organisation,” Jeff Bennett, EVP & chief human resources officer, said.