Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication, has selected Thomas Sanchez, CEO and co-founder, Social Driver, as one of its OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives.

The profile states: “Social Driver is trusted by the world’s leading corporations and nonprofit organizations to provide digital solutions for social media, websites, and marketing.”

Others on the list include Jim Fitterling, chief executive officer, The Dow Chemical Company, and Peter Arvai, CEO and co-founder, Prezi. OUTstanding is part of INvolve, a membership organization championing diversity and inclusion in business.

The program scored Sanchez on his impact on LGBT+ inclusion inside and outside the workplace, business achievements, and his seniority and influence.

Sanchez says, “I’m honored to be on the list of OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives, presented by the FT. As noted by FT, our company’s mantra accurately captures our mission and values: We believe the future is bright, all progress is social, and the drivers make history. This recognition adds to that success.”

Under Sanchez’s leadership, Social Driver’s collaborative culture and cutting-edge strategies have received wide acclaim, including the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Supplier of the Year award. He has been cited as one of the “most innovative people in Washington, DC” (DCInno) and a top “minority business leader” (Washington Business Journal).

Sanchez is a board member of The Trevor Project, the national nonprofit providing suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. The mayor of the District of Columbia appointed him as an advisor for LGBTQ Affairs and to the Innovation Technology and Inclusion Council.

Suki Sandhu, founder and CEO, INvolve, says, “Our sixth OUTstanding list is our most international and diverse ever. Everyone — regardless of gender, sexuality or ethnicity —benefits from a level playing field where people feel able to bring their whole selves to work.”

Sanchez’s nomination was reviewed by OUTstanding’s judging panel that included Lord Browne, executive chairman, L1 Energy, and former CEO, BP and Dawn Airey, CEO, Getty Images.