As an international company with nearly 30,000 employees in a variety of markets across the globe, our focus on diversity, equality and inclusion (DE&I) is central to the culture we want to foster at NXP. DE&I enables our personal and professional success, and fuels the innovation our stakeholders expect from us.
Diversity of thought, perspective and experience increases exponentially when it spans across ethnicity, gender, age and sexual orientation. Such diversity fuels innovation, creativity and better decision making.
- Sherry Alexander
“The opportunity to collaborate with NXP management and colleagues across the globe on the journey to establish a more diverse, equal and inclusive culture at NXP is beyond exciting for me personally,” Sherry said. “Diversity of thought, perspective and experience increases exponentially when it spans across ethnicity, gender, age and sexual orientation. Such diversity fuels innovation, creativity and better decision making.”
Meet Sherry Alexander, NXP’s head of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. Sherry has a long history in the tech industry and a varied background that’s tailor-made for her role. As an experienced electrical engineer, Sherry understands the needs of technologists. Through her MBA and several years as a global quality director working with NXP’s business lines, as well as global sales and marketing and operations, she has hands-on experience with NXP across the globe. Sherry has more than 20 years of active engagement in a variety of affinity groups, and spearheaded professional development and mentorship programs at several industrial firms. And as an African American woman, she’s faced her own workplace diversity issues head-on.
The proof is in the numbers. A McKinsey report found that companies in the top quartile for racial and ethnic diversity were 35% more likely to have financial returns above their respective national industry medians. Those in the top quartile for gender diversity were 15% more likely to have above-average returns. And employees also support DE&I, with 61% believing diversity and inclusion strategies are not only beneficial, but essential.
This year, Sherry has defined three strategic priorities to help make NXP a more diverse, equal and inclusive company:
“NXP’s DE&I focus includes providing all employees with a sense of belonging,” Sherry said. “Being part of a caring, collaborative community contributes to making what we do every day so rewarding.”
Bright minds. Bright futures. NXP team members create breakthrough technologies that advance our world. The future starts here.
When asked what today’s global workforce should do to be more conscientious of DE&I in their everyday work life, Sherry gave some practical advice.
“Our company consists of thousands of unique individuals, each with a different background, history and experiences,” Sherry said. “It is imperative that we create an inclusive culture to leverage this diversity. Part of achieving this is educating and encouraging employees to appreciate diversity within our own company and in society as a whole.”
“Understanding our multicultural world, recognizing and challenging personal biases and a willingness to talk, listen and learn will lead to greater equality,” she continued. “As a result, our hope is that employees will benefit not only professionally, but personally as well. A thoughtful, meaningful, focused approach on DE&I will undoubtedly lead to healthier and more productive lives.”
Chris Jensen is executive vice president and chief human resources officer of NXP Semiconductors. In this role, he is responsible for all aspects of the company’s global human resources function, driving programs and process to enable NXP’s business performance.
