Sonia Coleman has been named chief human resources officer for The Walt Disney Co. She will begin her duties next month.
Coleman replaces Paul Richardson in the position; he departs the Burbank-based entertainment and media giant after more than 15 years of employment there.
Coleman will report directly to Chief Executive Bob Iger and will be responsible for leading Disney’s human resources strategy, global talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organizational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, and global security, according to Disney.
“Disney is unrivaled because of the talent, dedication, and enthusiasm of our cast members and employees,” Coleman said. “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 companywide transformation underway that will truly empower the people behind the magic of Disney.”
Iger spoke highly of his company’s new HR chief.
“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 companywide as we implement our new operating structure and position Disney to capitalize on the opportunities ahead.”
Coleman joined Disney in 2008 as vice president of human resources for Disney Consumer Products, a role she held for eight years.
She then served as vice president of human resources for the company beginning in May 2016, and in that capacity oversaw HR strategy, change management initiatives, organizational development and engagement strategies for Disney’s corporate, enterprise and cross-functional employees.