ANOTHER major industry figure has stepped up to join the speakers at a major business conference.

Mark Palmer-Edgecumbe, head of diversity, talent and inclusion at Google for Europe, Middle East and Africa, will address the Women's’ Business Forum on Thursday at Rudding Park in Harrogate.

Mark, who will fly in from Zurich for the event, is a leading expert on diversity and inclusion. He will address an audience of 600 senior business men and women from the UK, Europe and the USA at the event, which is organised by Holmfirth-based Heather Jackson.

He said: “Google is a company that is famous for innovation. We are successful because we do things differently. I will be sharing some of those experiences on the day.

““I’m delighted to be speaking at this year’s Forum. It’s an ideal opportunity to discuss all the issues.”

Mark joined Google from his role as global head of diversity at Barclays Group. He is ranked among the 100 most influential people in the 2011 Pride Power List and earlier this year established The Inclusive Foundation provides grants, advice and assistance to charitable and voluntary organisations working in equality, diversity and inclusion across the UK and Europe.

He is a governor of the Museum of London and a trustee of CareTrade Charitable Trading Company.

Said Heather: “I’m absolutely delighted Mark accepted the invitation to speak. Having such a well-respected figure in this field from one of the world’s most innovative brands shows the high-level at which the Women’s Business Forum is now.”

Go to www.thewomensbusinessforum.co.uk