The Walt Disney Company announced that they have named Sonia Coleman as senior executive vice president and chief human resources officer (CHRO), effective 8 April. Coleman, who most recently has served as Disney Entertainment and ESPN HR SVP, succeeds Paul Richardson who is leaving the company after more than 15 years at Disney.
As CHRO, Coleman will report directly to Disney CEO Robert A. Iger and will be responsible for leading their human resources strategy, global talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organisational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, and global security.
“Sonia is widely respected across the company as a gifted leader and strong advocate for our employees,” Iger said. “Her proven expertise leading the human resources function for our general entertainment businesses and ESPN during a period of unprecedented transformation makes her the perfect choice to lead this function company-wide as we implement our new operating structure and position Disney to capitalise on the opportunities ahead.”
“Disney is unrivalled because of the talent, dedication, and enthusiasm of our cast members and employees,” said Coleman. “They are the key to our success, and I look forward to being their greatest champion, in partnership with our exceptional HR teams around the world, as we move forward through the important company-wide transformation underway that will truly empower the people behind the magic of Disney.”
In her most recent role, Coleman has been responsible for employee development and engagement, recruitment and compensation, organisational development, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for both ESPN and the general entertainment portfolio of businesses at Disney Entertainment, which include ABC Entertainment, ABC News, ABC Owned Televisions Stations, Disney Branded Television, Disney Television Studios (20th Television, ABC Signature, 20th Television Animation and Walt Disney Television Alternative), Freeform, FX, Hulu Originals, National Geographic Content, and Onyx Collective.