Introduction by Friederike Kienitz
Closing out FY24 gave me the opportunity to reflect on our progress in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion within our region. Over the past three years, DEI has evolved from an important conversation to a central part of how we operate and think about our future.
When I founded the AMIEO DEI Council in FY22 and took on the role as Chairperson, I knew it would be an opportunity to help shape our culture and drive meaningful change. What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how much it would impact me on a personal level. This role has given me the chance to meet so many employees and partners – to hear their stories, learn about their experiences, and understand the challenges and opportunities they face every day. I feel deeply grateful for the trust so many of them have shown in sharing their perspectives so openly and honestly.
Back in FY22, our priority was to build strong foundations: to listen carefully, acknowledge where we were, and put in place the structures and commitments needed to create real and lasting change. The progress we’ve made since then, right across our region, is remarkable. Today, DEI is no longer just a standalone initiative – it is woven into our product design, our communications, and the way we think about our customers and communities. Seeing this shift has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey.
I want to recognise that this work hasn’t always been easy. Change rarely is. It takes patience, persistence, and willingness to challenge old habits and assumptions. Across our business, I’ve seen leadership and teams lean in, ask difficult questions, and push to make things better – not just for themselves but for their colleagues, teams, and the broader communities we serve.
We should be proud of what we’ve achieved together. In FY22, we launched our DEI strategy with four pillars: Establish Accountability, Foster an Inclusive Culture & Workplace, Governance, and Communicate & Celebrate. Since then, we’ve made measurable progress. Our Global Employee Survey score has improved by 3 points versus FY22, and we now have strong governance in place, with new members joining the DEI Council, 19 active local councils across the region, and 9 Employee Resource Groups. We’ve also introduced DEI-focused eLearning and implemented policies and practices designed to foster a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment – ensuring that DEI is not only understood but actively lived across our organisation. I am especially proud of our people and how keen they are to embed DEI into their daily operations. Since its inception in FY23, we received 45 submissions for the DEI Awards – a powerful reflection of the passion, creativity, and commitment that continues to drive this journey forward.
These achievements represent real progress, but we know there is more to do. As we look ahead to FY25 and beyond, we have an opportunity to build on this foundation and embed DEI even more deeply into who we are and how we operate.
Thank you, to the council and the teams across AMIEO, for your hard work, your honesty, and your commitment. The progress we’ve made together has been possible because of your dedication, your willingness to challenge and support one another, and your belief in what we can achieve together.
I am looking forward to what we will accomplish in the year ahead and beyond. Together, we can continue to build a more inclusive, equitable, and successful AMIEO. 
Friederike Kienitz
Senior Vice President, Sustainability, Corporate Affairs and Governance,
Nissan AMIEO