PepsiCo. Saudi Arabia was honored at the 2013 Employer Excellence Awards held in Riyadh as part of the Talent and Diversity Forum.

It received the award for ‘Top Company for Diversity and Talent Development across industries in Saudi Arabia.’

The Employer Excellence Awards celebrate Saudi Arabia’s most innovative, supportive and diverse employers.

PepsiCo. was recognized as one of 11 companies from both the private and public sector to receive a prestigious award.

At the event, Adel Fakeih, minister of labor, spoke about the importance of businesses supporting workplace inclusion.

He said: “On the job training and up-skilling are significant aspects of employment. Including people from diverse backgrounds, irrespective of which category they belong to – young, old, women, men or disabled into the workforce – is the key to creating a motivated and engaged workplace.”

Rania Rizk, vice president and chief legal counsel for PepsiCo’s Middle East Africa (MEA) region, accepted the award from the Labor Minister.

After receiving the award, Rania said: “Being awarded the Employer Achievement Award for Diversity and Talent Development across industries in Saudi Arabia is a real honor.”

Rania said: “We work hard to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion throughout all levels of the organization and winning this award is recognition of the work that we do.”

Omar Farid, president, PepsiCo. Middle East & Africa (MEA) added: “Creating a culture of respect and trust is part of PepsiCo’s core values. Saudi Arabia is a strong growth market for the company and ensuring we have a positive environment that is fostering creativity and fueling innovation is what we continually strive for.”

The Talent and Diversity Leadership Forum, held under the endorsement of the Ministry of Labor, unites 200 senior level executives to review talent development and diversity strategies in the Kingdom.

During the event, key stakeholders, policy-makers, business leaders and human resource executives discussed gender equality, youth engagement and integration of workers with special needs.