Our purpose would not be possible without diversity

Newsroom By Hikmet Ersek, Western Union CEO Feb 3, 2017

Over the last week, I have spent time speaking to Western Union employees, our senior management team and global business leaders – within the United States and around the world.

Collectively, the conversations had one common theme, the value and future of a global economy and global businesses.

Our ability to reach every corner of the world in an instant, share ideas and move between geographies, cultures and continents, is a major dimension of today’s business environment.

We also live in an era of complex cross-border economics. In the face of a fast-changing landscape, it would be naïve to think that interactions between people of different cultures are always easy.

Therefore, understanding the positive impact and challenges that a global community presents, is critical.

As someone who is a migrant, having lived and worked in several countries, I am personally committed to helping promote a world where multi-culturalism and diversity become the norm; where businesses are encouraged to innovate and work collaboratively between markets; and the economic, intellectual capital and cultural benefits of diverse populations are valued.

I believe that the complexities and perceived threats of a global community can be overcome, and that the benefits are worth the risks.

I am privileged to lead Western Union, a globally diverse company founded in 1851 in New York. From our very beginnings in the United States, which was then a relatively young and multi-cultural country, we have been connecting people and helping businesses to thrive in the United States, and over time, world-wide.

At Western Union, conducting our business responsibly, creating shared value and investing in people, while observing the respect and dignity of those we serve, are hallmarks of our global brand.

We believe that when money moves, better things can happen. A business expands. A student goes to college. Emergency aid arrives when it’s needed. An economy prospers, an opportunity opens, a community heals, relationships endure and jobs are created.

Our purpose, as a global company, would not be possible without diversity and people.

Join me in a dialogue based on mutual respect, as we continue on this journey to help bring the world closer, one person at a time.