Walt Disney Company’s Chief Diversity Officer has left the Company
Disney’s Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton has left the Company according to Variety.
Latondra Newton, Disney’s chief diversity officer, and senior vice president is stepping down from her position after serving for over six years, as per an internal memo from Disney HR chief Sonia Coleman that reads:
To our extended DEI and HR team,
I’m writing to share the news that Latondra Newton has decided to leave The Walt Disney Company to pursue other endeavors.
Since joining the company in 2017, Latondra has led the company’s strategic diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, including partnering with stakeholders across the enterprise to amplify stories of the world by people around the world. She has been dedicated to ensuring every person sees themselves and their life experiences represented in a meaningful and authentic way.
I know you all join me in thanking Latondra for her many contributions, including the lasting impact she has had on our employees and our culture. Working alongside all of you and so many others, she has inspired countless cast members and employees to bring about lasting change and to help create a world where we can all feel safe and we all belong.
Latondra’s direct reports will report to Julie Merges on an interim basis until a new DEI leader is identified. I want to thank Julie for leading this team along with her Talent Acquisition organization. Additionally, Shelby Curry and the DEI Internal Communications team will continue reporting to Carrie Brown in her role leading internal communications & engagement for the company.
Thank you all for your continued contributions to our DEI efforts. I know we can count on you to keep this important work moving forward during this leadership transitions.
Gratefully,
Sonia
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According to a source familiar with the matter, Newton will soon join the corporate board of another company and intends to dedicate more time to her self-owned creative venture.
As the head of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) operations at Disney, Newton had the responsibility of overseeing the company’s commitment to creating entertainment that resonates with a global audience while fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace for all.
Following her departure, Julie Merges will assume the interim role of overseeing Newton’s direct reports until a new chief diversity officer is appointed. Shelby Curry and the DEI internal communications team will continue reporting to Carrie Brown, the executive in charge of internal communications and engagement.
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