My deepest thanks to Suki Sandhu OBE and INvolve – The Inclusion People for this remarkable recognition – FOUR years in a row! I may faint! But MORE importantly thank you, Suki and team, for all you do to celebrate all diverse communities, elevate leaders, and champion the power of inclusion in the workplace and in society. What you do matters … so damn much!

Check out The Sun-Times News coverage here.

View full list here.

Roy Sexton, Chief Marketing Officer of Vedder and 2023 International President of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), has been named to the INvolve Outstanding 100 LGBTQ+ Executives Role Model List for 2026, supported by YouTube. It is the fourth consecutive year Sexton has been recognized, making him one of the most consistently honored leaders on the list from the legal industry.

The recognition arrives as visibility at the very top of business remains thin. INvolve’s 2025 analysis found that just 2% of FTSE 100 CEOs and 5% of Fortune 100 CEOs are publicly out as LGBTQ+, compared with estimates that 6–10% of the population identifies as LGBTQ+. INvolve warned that the gains made since 2015 are fragile as companies scale back inclusion programs.

“As a young gay man growing up in Indiana in the ’80s and ’90s, seeing a list like this would have meant the world to me,” said Sexton. “It would have shown me that there is a place for people like me — that we belong. Visibility and representation aren’t nice-to-haves; they’re essential. Recognition like this goes far beyond personal buzz. It signals to the wider business community the real power of authenticity, and of people brave enough to bring their whole selves to work and speak openly about it. I’m proud to be recognized for the fourth year running, and hopeful that in some small way I can pass that message forward.”

Why INvolve selected Sexton

In its citation, INvolve described Sexton’s appointment as CMO of Vedder as “a significant milestone in his career and in LGBTQ+ leadership visibility within the legal marketing industry.” INvolve highlighted that he:

• Models visibility at the top. As an openly gay executive, he leads a diverse marketing team and builds belonging through mentorship and everyday authenticity, helping younger LGBTQ+ professionals see themselves in senior roles.
• Drives measurable culture change. As co-chair of LMA’s DEI Shared Interest Group, he has doubled engagement in the association’s inclusion-focused town halls.
• Set the tone for an industry. His 2023 LMA presidency established a standard of safety and belonging at that year’s annual conference, reflecting his belief that visibility is a leadership responsibility.
• Amplifies inclusive leadership. Through interviews, panels and his digital series, he positions inclusion as a strategic business priority.

Among global business leaders

INvolve’s lists span sectors and continents. The top-ranked 2025 Outstanding Executives were David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment Group; Travis Torrence, U.S. Head of Legal at Shell; Jen Carter, Global Head of Technology at Google.org; Kit Morey, VP and Commissioning Editor, Unscripted Original Content at Paramount | Channel 5; and Shamina Singh, Founder and President of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Executive Vice President, Sustainability at Mastercard. The 2025 Outstanding Advocates list was led by Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, and Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Founder & CEO of INvolve, Suki Sandhu OBE, says, “I’m so thrilled to be celebrating this global group of trailblazing Executives, Future Leaders and Advocates who are working to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace can thrive. All the individuals featured in our Outstanding Role Model Lists supported by YouTube are championing inclusion and leveraging their expertise and knowledge to drive impactful initiatives and strategic change within their organizations. It’s vital that LGBTQ+ employees across global organizations can succeed and achieve career success, and these Role Models are essential drivers of change who are smashing barriers to progress. We could not effect change without them leading the way.” 

About the Outstanding Role Model Lists

The Outstanding LGBTQ+ Role Model Lists, supported by YouTube, celebrate LGBTQ+ business leaders and advocates who are breaking down barriers and building more inclusive workplaces worldwide. Honorees are recognized for their influence and impact on inclusion and do not work professionally in diversity, equity and inclusion roles. The lists launched in 2013.

About Roy Sexton

Roy Sexton is Chief Marketing Officer of Vedder, where he leads the firm’s marketing strategy and oversees all marketing projects and personnel. He brings more than 25 years of experience across industries, including nearly 15 years in legal marketing at prominent global firms, with expertise in public relations, marketing planning, business development strategy, digital and social media, attorney onboarding and practice development.

Sexton joined LMA’s international board in 2020 and served as International President in 2023. He has been recognized by Crain’s, INvolve and Corp! Magazine for his leadership, particularly as an LGBTQ+ executive, and has served on the boards of Michigan charitable organizations including Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit and Ronald McDonald House Charities. He holds degrees from Wabash College, The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan.

About INvolve

INvolve is a consultancy and global network driving diversity and inclusion in business. Through advisory solutions, awareness workshops and talent development programs, INvolve drives cultural change and creates inclusive workplaces where everyone can succeed. It publishes annual role model lists celebrating business leaders and future leaders who are breaking down barriers at work and inspiring the next generation of diverse talent.