The world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy organisation, GLAAD, has appointed Anthony Watson to its board of directors.

As Managing Director & Chief Information Officer at Barclays Bank, he is the only openly gay CIO of a Fortune 100 company, and is now a voting member of GLAAD’s finance committee.

‘I am deeply humbled to be the first ever British citizen and, more importantly, the first ever non-American citizen to be appointed to the Board of Directors of GLAAD. I am very excited to work with this truly exceptional team,’ Watson said.

‘GLAAD’s critical work transcends national boundaries. It is of vital importance that the global LGBT community becomes stakeholders. I feel very privileged to be given this opportunity to contribute my life experience and energy to furthering GLAAD’s crucial mission globally.’

‘Media images that people see around the globe as a result of GLAAD’s work have a tremendous impact in growing support and acceptance for LGBT people, as well as passing laws that provide vital protections for our families,’ added GLAAD’s Acting President Dave Montez.

‘With his esteemed and significant history in advocating for the rights of LGBT people, we are very fortunate to have Anthony’s valuable contribution to our Board and to begin working with him as GLAAD’s international work continues to evolve.’