As CEO of the REWE Group, Lionel Souque is committed to promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the workplace. He has now received the Queermentor Role Model Award 2026, which honours individuals who take responsibility, show attitude and actively promote social change.
"I am very pleased to receive this award on behalf of the REWE Group," says Lionel Souque. "It has been made possible in particular by the close and trusting cooperation with DITO, REWE Group's LGBTIQ network, for which I would like to express my sincere thanks. It is of central importance to us that we as a company are diverse, open and respectful and remain so in the future."
The Queermentor Role Model Awards 2026 were presented on 27 January 2026 in Berlin. The patron is Federal Minister of Labour Bärbel Bas.
In her welcoming message, Bas emphasised: "Social progress is struggling these days. Trans* and non-binary people are particularly affected. Acceptance of the community has fallen dramatically worldwide. We are all called upon to take a stand against this, even where attitudes can be dangerous, in public and in the workplace. That is why," the Minister addressed the award winners, "your work is so important. You ensure queer visibility and thus also set an example for our democracy. I would therefore like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Queermentor social impact initiative and, above all, to all of you."
The award sees itself as a statement in favour of a working world and society in which no one has to pretend. It creates visibility, strengthens queer empowerment, raises the profile of allies as supporters, inspires organisations to be more inclusive and triggers sustainable change.
With this award, Lionel Souque is automatically nominated for the European Role Models award, which will be presented on 29 May 2026 in Prague by the European Pride Business Network, an organisation funded by the European Union.
The Queermentor Role Model Awards were presented for the first time in 2025. They are the German counterpart in the European Pride Business Network (EPBN) and part of the WISE - Workplace Inclusion for a Sustainable Europe initiative, which campaigns for inclusive working environments and queer representation across Europe.
The award recognises people who show attitude, take responsibility and open up spaces for the queer community.
About Queermentor
Queermentor is a non-profit organisation that supports LGBTQIA+ people in their professional and personal development and is committed to equal opportunities in the labour market. With initiatives such as the Role Model Awards, Queermentor makes queer perspectives visible, strengthens diversity and contributes to changing social structures in the long term.
Both German and English comments appear here.
Toll, dass die REWE Group so inklusiv ist und sich jeder wertgeschätzt fühlt. Herzlichen Glückwunsch für die Auszeichnung! Vielleicht klappt es ja sogar in Prag.