COLLINSVILLE, Ill., June 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Illinois Chairman and President Richard J. Mark has earned the distinction as a top 100 minority business leader in Corporate America by a national publication.
The EMpower report, published by the Financial Times, named Mark to its 2017 global executive list. He was recognized for being a strong advocate, role model and supporter of diversity and inclusion through training, employee enrichment, community outreach and supplier development. Financial Times (FT) is one of the world's leading business news organizations, recognized internationally for its authority, integrity and accuracy. The FT has a combined paid print and digital circulation of almost 860,000.
"I am humbled to be named among such a distinct group of global business professionals and honored to represent Ameren Illinois co-workers who share my passion for diversity," Mark said. "A more inclusive workplace creates more opportunities for our employees, suppliers and customers. The culture we have built at Ameren Illinois encourages diversity in thought and action and it's a major reason why we're a successful, growing company."
Mark, who celebrates five years as Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois in June, was one of the initial Executive Sponsors of Ameren's Network of Minority Employees, a group which develops networking and training opportunities for Ameren's minorities. This year, Mark is offering employees an additional opportunity to experience the benefits of diversity and inclusion through formation of the "Courage Tour," a series of presentations and panel discussions focused on encouraging diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Another example of Mark's leadership includes the May 2015 formation of Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council. Mark is vice chairman of the council whose mission is to grow business opportunities for diverse suppliers through closer collaboration, technical development and sharing of best practices.
Mark was named President of Ameren Illinois in June of 2012. During his tenure, the company has made significant progress in executing a massive overhaul of its 43,700-square-mile energy delivery infrastructure. Improvements to the energy grid that have resulted in increased reliability, a reduction in power outages, and the creation of hundreds of new jobs.
Mark serves on a variety of boards and organizations including American Gas Association Board, Saint Louis Zoo, Enterprise Bank and Trust Clayton Board, Madison Mutual Insurance Board, Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, and the St. Louis Police Foundation.
About the 2017 EMpower 100 Ethnic Minority Leaders List
Peers and colleagues nominated executives for the EMpower 100 list. Nominations were then reviewed by EMpower's judging panel consisting of: Ashok Vaswani, CEO, Barclays UK; Vivian Hunt, managing partner, McKinsey & Co; Paul Polman, CEO, Unilever; Linda Yeuh, Global economist, broadcaster and author, Oxford University; Nina Vaca, chairman & CEO, Pinnacle Group; Carola Hoyos, editor of the Executive Appointments section of the Financial Times and Suki Sandhu, founder & CEO of EMpower.
About EMpower
EMpower (formerly known as UPstanding) is a professional membership organization helping corporate members drive greater black, Asian and minority ethnic inclusion at all levels of their companies. The organization is backed by 10 founding members: BP, Barclays, LinkedIn, Jupiter, Coca-Cola, Virgin Money, Slaughter and May, PwC, Sainsbury's and Dentsu Aegis. EMpower's sister organization is OUTstanding, a professional membership organization for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) leaders and future leaders.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.
SOURCE Ameren Illinois