Disney’s chief diversity officer, Latondra Newton, is leaving the company. Variety shared earlier this evening that after six years in the role, Newton is leaving and will soon be joining the corporate board for another company and also devoting more time to her own self-created company.
Her current role as head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at Disney had Newton overseeing Disney’s “commitment to produce entertainment that reflects a global audience and sustains a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone.”
Once Newton is gone, her direct reports in DEI will be reporting to Julie Merges for the time being until a new chief diversity officer is named. Shelby Curry and the DEI internal communications team will continue to report to internal communications and engagement executive Carrie Brown.
Disney HR chief Sonia Coleman wrote the following memo announced Newton’s departure:
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
Before coming to Disney, Newton worked at Toyota where she was group vice president of social innovation and chief diversity officer at Toyota Motor North America, Inc. and chief program officer for Toyota Mobility Foundation, Toyota Motor Corporation. Her departure comes just a week after Disney CFO Christine McCarthy took a leave of absence.
