Simon Fanshawe

Simon Fanshawe OBE is one of the UK's most respected voices on diversity, inclusion and organisational change. He co-founded Diversity by Design who support organisations to create ‘a diversity case for their business’ with clarity, confidence and change. 

He hosts the top ten business podcast Fearless Diversity with Rachel Cashman.

In 1989, Simon was one of six co-founders of Stonewall, the equality campaign that helped shape the legal journey towards equal marriage. His 2021 book The Power of Difference was named the Chartered Institute of Management's Book of the Year in 2023, and HR Magazine inducted him into their Hall of Fame that same year. His 2024 report Flying Flags and Ticking Boxes. What Went Wrong With EDI. And How Leaders Can Fix It offers an examination of where EDI has stalled and what genuine progress requires.

He currently serves as Rector of the University of Edinburgh, Chairman of Hexagon Housing Association and on the Board of Powerful Women. He holds an OBE for services to Higher Education and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Sussex for services to diversity and human rights.