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Pentland Brands Joins The People To Bring Youth Insights Into The Boardroom



Pentland Brands, the name behind some of the world’s best-known brands including Speedo, Berghaus and ellesse, is joining mission-led start-up The People to form a new youth advisory board at the heart of its employee experience.


Pentland Brands is seeking people under the age of 30 in its key markets - the UK, USA, India, Vietnam and China – to act as a focus group and inform key strategic decisions. The youth board, which is now open for applications until Friday 18th August, will shape how the business supports, nurtures and develops its current and potential employees.


The move comes from recent research by the Corporate Counsel Business Journal showing that, while over 50% of the world’s population is under the age of 30, the average age of a Board of Directors is almost 60 years old. Bringing together internal and external perspectives, the youth board will also offer young people a unique insight into the global family business behind some of the world’s best-loved brands.


Alongside the young changemakers who form part of The People’s network, the youth board will be made up of Pentland Brands employees from internal D&I networks, including LGBTQ+ communities, Black colleagues and their allies, women and wellbeing. The group will offer diverse perspectives to tackle key business challenges, redefining the employee experience from reward to recruitment.


The Pentland Collective, which was co-created by Pentland Brands, The People and young changemakers, was first developed in 2022 as a way of addressing the career barriers faced by young people from underrepresented communities.


Pentland Brands’ partnership with The People is underpinned by its goal to support one million people in its communities. This goal forms part of Pentland Brands’ positive business strategy, which outlines its commitment to take action for people and planet in support of future generations.





Kian Bakhtiari, founder of The People “We are proud to partner with Pentland Brands, a company that is engaged and willing to listen, learn and support a new generation of global talent. The Pentland Collective brings young and diverse voices into the boardroom and delivers fresh-outside perspectives into the business. This is a vehicle for positive social change."


Sara Brennan, positive business director, Pentland Brands

“Our partnership with The People is designed to make positive changes for the next generation of talent entering the workplace, as well as supporting our current employees to make a real difference. Exploring fresh perspectives allows us to take action in a way that supports, reflects and celebrates the diversity of our teams, both now and in the future.”

Applications for the youth board


Applications are now open and close on Friday 18th August at midnight (BST)

Find out more and apply here



About The People


The People is a creative company powered by a global community of 150+ young diverse changemakers working with the likes of Pentland Brands, L'Oréal, Danone and the United Nations. Their mission is to amplify the voices of young people and underserved communities and help companies build a more inclusive and sustainable future.



To find out more visit www.thepeople.workor follow @join_thepeople on Instagram


About Pentland Brands


Pentland Brands Limited is the name behind some of the world’s best sports, outdoor and lifestyle brands. It owns Speedo, Berghaus, Canterbury of New Zealand, Endura, ellesse and Mitre. It’s also the UK footwear and apparel licensee for Kickers. Pentland Brands products are available in over 190 countries and are sold either directly by Group companies or are represented by licensees and distributors.


To find out more visit http://www.pentlandbrands.com or follow @pentlandbrands on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter.







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