Heidi Heseltine

Founder at Diversity Study Group

Heidi Heseltine specialises in diversity, equity, and inclusion for the global maritime sector, working at an industry, corporate and individual level to support progress and change in DEI across the shore based and seafaring communities.

With over 30 years’ experience in the maritime industry working in commercial, operational, and human resource roles, and as an international maritime business leader since 2008, Heidi has unique insight into maritime related DEI.

Heidi founded the Diversity Study Group in 2018 to provide data, benchmarking, industry collaboration and DEI consulting services for the maritime sector. The group brings together experts from other industries to ensure best practice methods are employed across projects, whilst ensuring shore-based and seafarer DEI programs are tailored to the needs of the shipping industry. Projects include strategy development and implementation, inclusive leadership, inclusion and belonging, employee engagement, employee resource group programs, HR support, and workshop facilitation.

Heidi has led the Diversity Study Group in supporting critical industry initiatives such as the All Aboard Alliance of which Diversity Study Group is a Founding Knowledge Partner, in addition to being a Knowledge Partner to the Global Maritime Forum.

Heidi also owns and oversees the maritime search and advisory firm Halcyon Recruitment which specialises within the global shore based shipping and maritime sector.

Heidi serves as an advisor and judge for industry initiatives focusing on diversity and inclusion, including the DEI in Transport and Logistics Honor, Danish Shipping's Diversity Award, and the Maritime DEI Lab. She has been recognised twice as one of the Top 100 Women in Shipping for her work promoting DEI in the maritime industry.