Irene Sarpato

As a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Culture Expert at HEINEKEN Italy (since 2022), she is responsible for defining and implementing the local DEI strategy and agenda, conducting continuous employee listening processes, and overseeing the people care and well-being program. She works to embed the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into all HR processes, contributing to the drafting of policies and procedures. She designs and often delivers training on bias, microaggressions, psychological safety, recruitment and development interviews, and inclusive leadership for people managers and senior leaders. Additionally, at the corporate level, she initiated, coordinates, and supports five volunteer DEI communities (ERGs).

Before her current role, she worked at adidas Italy, where, after holding various roles, she focused on Diversity and Inclusion as a member of the European D&I team (2017–2022). In this capacity, she created the first European volunteer D&I network, defined the D&I strategy and agenda, developed the Disability & Mental Health Playbook, and contributed to the global training program Creating a Culture of Inclusion. She was also the founder and chairperson of the Global ERG for people with disabilities and a mentor for gender equity in the Breaking Barriers for Girls in Sport program across Europe.

She is also a facilitator of the #IamRemarkable workshop (since 2020), which supports people in building the self-confidence needed for healthy self-promotion.

Her background also includes the publication of the novel Strano diario (Edizioni Lavoro, 2024), a degree in Moral Philosophy from the University of Milan (2008), a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Il Sole 24 Ore Business School (2013), and the attainment of DEI Manager certification (2025).