Leadership Promise, a Gryphon DEI Executive Message
Since our inception, I’ve always believed in the power of learning through diverse perspectives. Acting on this belief has been foundational in creating a truly differentiated business model leading to exceptional results and immense growth opportunities.
Gryphon was founded on uncompromising values that have proven essential to establishing an organization that has thrived for almost three decades through all-encompassing market cycles and conditions. I’m incredibly proud of Gyrphon’s culture, relationships and people that have been instrumental to Gryphon’s continued success. I’m immensely enthusiastic and confident that Gryphon will continue to evolve as we learn, grow, and progress together through our focus on diversity and inclusion.
My goal is to build upon the extraordinary culture and people that have gotten Gryphon to where it is today. Remaining steadfast to our founding values but also enhancing them with additional DEI values will ensure all people are respected, appreciated, and valued for their unique individuality as family members of Gryphon.
-R. David Andrews, Founder & CEO
Core to Gryphon’s competitive edge is a culture that fosters belonging through active inclusion, transparency, truthful communication, and a firmwide dedication to personal growth.
Our Commitments Are To:
- Diversity: Conversations among multiple identities and views generate superior ideas and outcomes
- Equity: Trust in fair treatment and equitable advancement creates a willingness to lean in, take risks, and commit to the team and to one another
- Inclusion: Empowering all individuals to speak with candor and confidence fosters both belonging and excellence
The path to durable, transformational growth is never a straight line. We believe that inclusivity, transparency, and mutual support ultimately forge the trust required to win. Our DEI efforts occur on several fronts:
- Commitment to DEI values
- Firmwide educational sessions including Intercultural Development Inventories, Overcoming Unconscious Bias, Modeling Allyship, Courageous Conversations and others
- Quarterly discussions celebrating cultural diversity and perspectives
- Online DEI toolkit & resource center
- Development of DEI recruiting playbook that ensures diverse candidate slates both internally and across portfolio teams
- Collaboration with SEO and MLT to develop and secure the next generation of diverse private equity leaders
- Sponsorship and engagement of Women in PE events nationwide
- Summer intern and analyst programs to expand our talent pipeline and provide access and learning opportunities to the PE industry more broadly
- Engagement with board-level, diversity-focused organizations to seek out new perspectives for portfolio board leadership
- Three-year DEI roadmap and charter
- Engagement with outside specialist DEI/ESG firms to adopt best practices
- DEI annual assessments
- DEI committee combining cross-section of employees by seniority and function
Gryphon Investors and our portfolio companies have a meaningful, beneficial role to play in our communities.
We are committed to sound Environmental, Social, and Governance practices out of a sincere conviction that thorough ESG stewardship drives investment performance, protects our people, and delivers a positive impact on society.
We assess ESG risks and seek opportunities for positive impact as a core part of diligence and throughout our partnership.
Some Examples From the Portfolio Include:
- Metagenics is using business as a force for good. Metagenics’ global certification as a B Corp in 2023 further solidifies the company’s commitment the highest standards for its ethical and environmental practices.
- Pacur launched a product to encourage a more circular economy to increase the utilization of excess material in the value chain, which helps medical device companies improve their carbon footprints.
- Techmer developed a sustainability report and launched a masterbatch product called rPET Revive, part of its Hi Terra sustainability brand, which improves the clarity and color of recycled post-consumer plastics.
- Vessco engaged a sustainability consultant to investigate and improve the impact of its flow control products utilized in municipal applications in removing pollutants like PFAs from water and in reducing electricity consumption in water & wastewater plants.
Great companies require strong culture, a thriving and committed team, and belief in a shared, prosperous future.
Building a meaningful legacy requires care that extends beyond the four walls of the plant or office.
Our commitment to our communities includes our efforts in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging as well as ESG and situation-specific support both during tragedies or other impactful events.
Some Examples of Our Community Outreach Include:
- COVID Relief Fund – Gryphon employees raised over $1 million to support those families of Gryphon portfolio companies whose livelihood was impacted by COVID shutdowns.
- Ukraine Fund: Prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Gryphon employees helped raise money to provide aid for families impacted. Every dollar raised by employees was matched by Gryphon. Proceeds were used to support portfolio company team members and their families in Ukraine and aid works on the ground with the International Medical Corps.
- In addition, Gryphon has contributed people hours and financial contributions to various organizations over the years, including Project Open Hand, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the Homeless Prenatal Program, Aaron Rodgers Camp Fire Recovery Fund, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, and Dress For Success among other organizations that Gryphon employees contribute to on both an individual and team basis.
