Since taking on the position of Associate Vice-President, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) in 2022 Abhishek Sarathy, led the successful effort to implement and scale 30+ Business Resource Groups (BRGs). These BRGs, in addition to 10 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), have become integral to futureproofing DEI, and driving belonging and business outcomes across the organization. Abhishek engaged senior leadership as sponsors in creating employee-led committees within their teams. The BRGs develop custom action plans relevant to each business area's needs by leveraging annual employee survey data and emerging market opportunities.
Under Abhishek’s leadership, CTC partnered with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council (TRIEC) to create a culture that includes newcomer employees. His team piloted TRIEC’s unique Career Advancement for Immigrant Professionals program within the Technology function, which included newcomer professionals and people managers, and created an ongoing community of practice. With his guidance, CTC also partnered with Tidal Equality, to host a special skilling session on equitable innovation for employees participating in an internal hackathon to unlock new ways of working.
Abhishek is an empathetic, collaborative leader who builds his capacity for sustainable change and brings an inclusion lens into all discussions and decisions.