Pentland Brands’ youth advisory board, which is now open for applications from anyone under 30 in its key markets until 18 August aims to shape how the business supports, nurtures and develops its current and future employees.

The company explains the successful applicants from its UK, US, India, Vietnam and China markets will act as a focus group to inform key strategic decisions.

Alongside the young changemakers who form part of The People’s network, the board will comprise Pentland Brands’ employees from internal diversity and inclusion networks.

The group will offer diverse perspectives to tackle key business challenges, redefining the employee experience from reward to recruitment.

The company explains the move comes from recent research by the Corporate Counsel Business Journal showing that, while over 50% of the global population is under the age of 30, the average age of a board of directors is almost 60.

Sara Brennan, positive business director at Pentland Brands says: “Our partnership with The People is designed to make positive changes for the next generation of talent entering the workplace, as well as supporting our current employees to make a real difference. Exploring fresh perspectives allows us to take action in a way that supports, reflects and celebrates the diversity of our teams, both now and in the future.”

Kian Bakhtiari, founder of The People adds: “We are proud to partner with Pentland Brands, a company that is engaged and willing to listen, learn and support a new generation of global talent. The Pentland Collective brings young and diverse voices into the boardroom and delivers fresh-outside perspectives into the business. This is a vehicle for positive social change.”

The Pentland Collective, which was co-created by Pentland Brands, The People and young changemakers, was first developed in 2022 as a way of addressing the career barriers faced by young people from underrepresented communities.

The company points out its partnership with The People is underpinned by its goal to support one million in its communities. This goal forms part of Pentland Brands’ business strategy, which outlines its commitment to take action for people and the planet in support of future generations.

Earlier in April, Pentland Brands named Abhy Thomas-Joseph as its new global chief operating officer (COO). He joined the company in 2012 and was appointed global IT director in 2018.