Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton Leaves Disney after 6 Years

Chief Diversity Officer and Senior Vice President, Latondra Newton leaves Disney after more than six years.

Newtown has held the position since 2017 and helped guide the company’s strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives. Newton’s main role was to oversee Disney’s  “commitment to produce entertainment that reflects a global audience and sustains a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone.”

What’s Next

Photo: Getty

Newton is reportedly joining the corporate board of another company. In addition, she plans to focus and develop her self-owned creative company.

In the interim, Newton’s direct reports will report to Julie Merges, senior vice president of talent acquisition, on an interim basis. 

Newton’s History

Photo: Disney

Prior to working for the Walt Disney Company, Newton served as Group Vice President, Social Innovation and Chief Diversity Officer, Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

Additionally, she served as Chief Program Officer, Toyota Mobility Foundation, Toyota Motor Corporation. She started her career in 1991 with Toyota and held a variety of senior roles. 

Newton’s Departure

Photo: Newsweek

Disney HR chief Sonia Coleman’s announced the departure to staff through internal communications:

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.

Photo: Kettering.edu

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

Photo: MickeyBlog 

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Article Source: Variety 

Feature Photo: Walt Disney Company