It has been reported that The Walt Disney Company has named Paul Richardson as the new Chief Human Resources Officer effective July 1, taking over for Jayne Parker.
Photo Credit: Disney, The Hollywood Reporter
What’s Happening:
- The Hollywood Reporter states that Paul Richardson has been named the new Chief Human Resources Officer for The Walt Disney Company effective July 1.
- The Walt Disney Company had announced back in April that Jayne Parker, Senior Executive Vice President, and Chief Human Resources Officer, would be leaving the company at the end of June 2021.
- Parker had previously overseen improving the company diversity and inclusion strategies including increased diversity at executive levels, hiring veterans, a redesigned retirement program, and more.
- Disney Aspire, the Walt Disney Company’s education investment program for employees, was launched by Parker in August 2018. The program gives full-time and part-time employees 100% coverage of tuition, books, and fees for higher education opportunities.
- Richardson is currently the Senior Vice President, Human Resources at ESPN. He was also Disney’s first Chief Diversity Officer from 2011 to 2017.
- In his new role, Richardson will be responsible for the company’s human resources strategy including employee relations, diversity and inclusion, compensation and benefits, and leadership development.
What They’re Saying:
- Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company: “Paul Richardson is a supremely talented, strategic and personable leader with a deep passion for enriching the employee experience by championing the unique talents and perspectives of our diverse, global workforce. I can think of no one better suited than Paul to build on the incredible work of Jayne Parker, who in 12 years leading Disney’s Human Resources function has had an indelible impact on the company, fostering a culture that has attracted and developed the industry’s best creative talent and most accomplished business leaders.”
- Paul Richardson, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Walt Disney Company: “It is a tremendous honor to be named to this role, and I want to thank Bob for the amazing opportunity and Jayne for her mentorship and friendship over these many years. Our employees and Cast Members are absolutely key to Disney’s success, and their exceptional talent, ingenuity, diverse backgrounds and experiences, and deep sense of commitment even in the most trying times are truly an inspiration. I look forward to supporting them and working with our HR leaders around the world as we advance the Company’s ambitious business goals and further cement Disney’s well-earned reputation as one of the most desirable places to work.”