2023 Top 15 Chief Diversity Officers Accelerate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Nicole Durham Expands Baker Hughes DEI to Include Culture


One of Nicole Durham’s many accomplishments as the Chief Culture and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Baker Hughes is the addition of Culture to DEI. This is a significant challenge in a company operating in 120 countries with over 54,000 employees. Nicole and her team established a DEI framework that cultivates a culture of belonging, developed and implemented the Baker Hughes Inclusive Leadership Model, created the DEI Knowledge Center on the corporate intranet, and hosted Baker Hughes’ inaugural Global ERG Summit.


Nicole aligned the DEI Strategic Framework to the organization’s mission and purpose and measures progress quarterly with the CEO. An annual business plan created by each business segment is accessible on a DEI dashboard, and leaders are held accountable for performance. Baker Hughes makes significant social impact through company initiatives addressing global reforestation, recreational therapy for children with chronic illnesses, and funding HBCU partners, to name a few. Nicole credits her success to her team, Baker Hughes’ HR business partners and collective leadership team – as well as to adhering to a core value of “care” using authenticity and diplomacy.


Favorite Quote:- If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. — African Proverb