DECATHLON achieves Global Edge Certification, reinforcing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

“Receiving EDGE certification marks DECATHLON as a global leader in creating an inclusive, fair, and diverse workplace where everyone can thrive and feel genuinely valued”, said Barbara Martin Coppola, DECATHLON’s Chief Executive Officer. “This recognition highlights the tremendous work of our People team and the countless efforts from every corner of our company to embrace diversity in all its forms. Today we’re even more inspired to continue breaking down barriers and ensuring that DECATHLON is a place where everyone belongs.”

"This EDGE Certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to inclusion as a human fundamental," added Ravi Sinha, Global Head - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at DECATHLON. "It aligns perfectly with our purpose to 'Move People Through the Wonders of Sport'. By fostering an inclusive workplace, we're strengthening our uniqueness and ensuring that we can better serve the diverse communities we operate in. This external validation reaffirms our belief that inclusion is key to innovation, creativity, and ultimately, our success in democratizing sports for everyone."

The EDGE Certification process evaluated DECATHLON across five key areas, providing a comprehensive view of the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These areas include equal pay for equivalent work, recruitment and promotion, leadership development training and mentoring, flexible working, and company culture. This comprehensive assessment has provided DECATHLON with valuable insights and a clear roadmap, including action plans for continuous improvement in its diversity and inclusion effort.

DECATHLON's commitment to DEI is reflected in its global policy, which aims to create a level playing field and equal opportunities for all teammates.

The company promotes talent regardless of beliefs, age, disability, parental status, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual or gender identity, or any other characteristic that could be subject to discrimination.

Key achievements highlighted during the certification process include: 

• DECATHLON is the first Sports Brand in the world to become EDGE certified. 
• 100% of participating countries and entities are within the EDGE Standards of Employees' Experience when it comes to recommending DECATHLON as an employer, regardless of gender.
• Ensure easy access to a complex topic by developing the DEI maturity index, a simple score calculated from all the comprehensive data of the analysis.

“Just as athletic excellence demands measurable goals and dedication, so does workplace equity. DECATHLON has shown true championship spirit in its pursuit of diversity and inclusion goals by measuring where it stands, setting the bar for where it wants to go and detailing a plan for getting there.” said Aniela Unguresan, Founder and CEO of EDGE Certified Foundation. “Their Global EDGE Assess and EDGEplus certifications demonstrate that, like in sports, great achievements come from purpose, commitment, team solidarity and leadership support.” she added.

Looking ahead, DECATHLON is committed to leveraging the insights gained from the EDGE Certification process to further enhance its DEI initiatives. This effort is integrally connected to the company's larger strategic ambition outlined in its announcement in March 2024. DECATHLON aims to evolve into a people focused, modern organization where excellence in execution and employee well-being go hand in hand. By aligning its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives with this strategic vision, DECATHLON is setting the stage to build a more inclusive, innovative, and high-performing company. This commitment strengthens
DECATHLON’s ability to better serve its customers and communities while advancing its mission to "Move People Through the Wonders of Sport." 

For more information, please visit Sustainability.decathlon.com

A global multi-specialist sports brand catering to everyone from beginners to top athletes, DECATHLON is an innovative manufacturer of sporting goods for all skill levels. With 101,000 teammates and 1,750 stores worldwide, DECATHLON and its teams have been working ever since 1976 to fulfill an ongoing ambition: Move people through the wonders of sport, to help them be healthier and happier in a sustainable future.

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EDGE Certification® is the leading global standard for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), centered on a workplace gender and intersectional equity approach. EDGE Certification® is based on objective and measurable evidence of an organization’s current status of gender and intersectional equity in its workplace. Audited by an approved independent third-party certification body, it supports the integrity and credibility of data and information and gives an organization a powerful way to communicate its DEI commitment and performance.