Disney’s top Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, will be moving on after more than six years at the company.
In an internal memo, obtained by Variety, written by Disney HR chief Sonia Coleman to staff, Newton’s decision to leave the company was “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,” the memo reads.
Coleman also acknowledged Newton’s “many contributions, including the lasting impact she has had on our employees and our culture.”
Disney's Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton Exits (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/i2n1qd2eMU
— Variety (@Variety) June 21, 2023
Furthermore, she applauded Newton for the impact she made on the people she worked with.
“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,” Coleman continued.
According to The Walt Disney Company’s official website, Newton partnered “with various business segments and leaders across the enterprise to build on Disney’s commitment to produce entertainment that reflects a global audience and sustains a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone.”
She was also recognized for her “forward-thinking” and her role as a “progressive leader in business and diversity and inclusion throughout her career.”
In 2020, Newton, along with Disney CEO Bob Iger and former CEO Bob Chapek, signed off on a letter to fellow employees regarding the death of unarmed Black man, George Floyd.
“We, too, are struggling to make sense of the recent tragedies that leave us feeling overcome with sorrow. While we don’t have all the answers, we resolve to use our compassion, our creative ideas and our collective sense of humanity to ensure we are fostering a culture that acknowledges our people’s feelings and their pain,” the letter read.
It continued, “We also realize that now more than ever is the time for us all to further strengthen our commitment to diversity and inclusion everywhere.”