What on earth is going on at the Walt Disney Company?
It’s been a strange time at the Mouse House, and indeed a strange year, with the shocking internal restructuring. Earlier this year, in the name of cost-cutting to the tune of $5.5 billion, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced massive layoffs that would overtake the company. Over the past few months, we have seen those layoffs come to pass, and it’s certainly been bloody; employees themselves described it as a “bloodbath.”
Notably, these layoffs didn’t just affect small-time Disney employees. Some big and surprising names were a part of the group given the axe.
Isaac Perlmutter, the Marvel Chairman, was fired during the layoffs after Disney CEO Bob Iger noted that they needed to address some “redundancies” in Marvel. Victoria Alonso, also with Marvel, was fired earlier in the year for repeated violations of her contract.
One that truly shocked many in the Disney community was the letting go of Galyn Susman, among other Pixar executives. Susman was known for being the woman who saved Pixar.
If all of this weren’t enough, just last week, it was announced that CFO Christine McCarthy, reportedly instrumental in ousting former Disney CEO Bob Chapek, was out as Disney’s CFO, citing differences with current Disney CEO Bob Iger.
This whirlwind is a lot to take on, but it’s not all. It has just been announced that the Chief Diversity Officer, Latondra Newton, is exiting Disney as well.
Disney's Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton Exits (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/i2n1qd2eMU
— Variety (@Variety) June 21, 2023
Outlet Variety broke the news, quoting an internal memo they obtained. The memo reads,
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
As the Chief Diversity Officer, Newton was responsible for staying true to the company’s “commitment to produce entertainment that reflects a global audience and sustains a welcoming and inclusive workplace for everyone.”
Newton will reportedly be “joining the corporate board of another company soon, and plans to devote more time to her self-owned creative company.”