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Latondra Newton, Disney’s chief diversity officer since 2017, is leaving the company. An internal memo from Disney hiring chief Sonia Coleman announcing Newton’s departure was distributed to staff on Tuesday.
Coleman wrote that Newton “decided to leave The Walt Disney Company to pursue other endeavors.” We hear she plans to join a corporate board and focus on a creative business that she owns.
Disney said Newton’s direct reports will now report to Julie Merges, SVP Talent Acquisition, who will temporarily oversee DEI operations while the search for Newton’s successor unfolds.
Newton’s title was SVP, Chief Diversity Officer, a role in which she oversaw Disney’s strategic diversity and inclusion initiatives. According to Disney’s bio, she has worked with “various business units and executives across the company to build on Disney’s commitment to producing entertainment that reflects a global audience and ensuring a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.”
Her time at Disney included co-signing the May 2020 memo to Disney employees following the murder of George Floyd with Bob Iger and Bob Chapek titled “Resolve in the Time of Unrest.” In it, the trio vowed to “use our compassion, creative ideas, and collective sense of humanity to ensure we foster a culture that honors the feelings and pain of our people.” We also recognize that Now more than ever, it is time for all of us to continue to step up our commitment to diversity and inclusion everywhere.”
Prior to Disney, Newton was Group Vice President, Social Innovation and Chief Diversity Officer. Toyota Motor North America, Inc. and Chief Program Officer, Toyota Mobility Foundation, Toyota Motor Corporation. She started her career in 1991 at Toyota.
Variety was the first today to report on Newton’s exit.
Here is Coleman’s full memo:
To our extended DEI and HR team,
I am writing to let you know 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 working with stakeholders across the company to spread people’s stories across the world. She is committed to ensuring that everyone 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 people and our culture. Working with all of you and so many others, she has inspired countless cast and staff members to create lasting change and help create a world where we can all feel safe and where we all belong.
Latondra’s direct reports will report to Julie Merges on an interim basis pending the determination of a new DEI head. I would like to thank Julie for leading this team along with her Talent Acquisition organization. In addition, Shelby Curry and DEI’s internal communications team will continue to report to Carrie Brown in her role as head of internal communications and engagement for the company.
Thank you all for your continued contribution to our DEI efforts. I know we can count on you to drive this important work forward during this leadership transition.
Thankful,
sonia