2015 Diversity Leader


TWDC_WalkingMickey_CopyrightThe Walt Disney Company
Headquarters: Burbank, California
CEO: Robert A. Iger
Employees: 175,000

Recent Recognition Includes:

  • Fortune’s Most Admired Companies (2013)
  • HRC, Best Place to Work for LGBT Equality (past 8 years)
  • Families and Work Institute, Veterans Employment Transition (VET) Award (past 2 years)
  • Diversity Inc., Top 50 Company for Diversity
  • Taproot Foundation, Golden Root Award (2014)
  • Women Business Enterprise Council–West, 2014 Corporation of the Year

Paul Richardson

Paul Richardson

The entertainment heavyweight has a comprehensive, integrated approach to diversity that is driven from the very top and rooted in valuing the people they serve, sell to, engage, and employ, says SVP of Human Resources for ESPN and Chief Diversity Officer, The Walt Disney Company, Paul Richardson.

“The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) understands the benefits of leveraging the business insights and perspectives of a diverse, highly engaged workforce in driving business results. To understand and meet the needs of diverse consumers, guests, fans, and viewers, our opinions, products, and perspectives must include a multitude of ideas, sensibilities, and experiences. As a company, we work intentionally to attract and retain employees who reflect the diverse world we live in and serve.

“Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of TWDC states, “Diversity is not only important, it is a core strategy for the company. In order for the company to thrive, we must fully reflect the people of this world and the places where we do business…. The company’s success is tied in so many ways with its ability to succeed with diversity.”

“Our team of talented and motivated employees enables TWDC to respond more quickly and instinctively to marketplace trends and consumer demands shaped by demographic shifts, be first to market with creative assets and entertainment products that appeal to every family—regardless of background, and enhance our reputation as an “employer of choice” among best-in-class diverse talent.

“One of our greatest challenges is the ongoing competition for talent. Our workforce is constantly changing. So, the challenge to deliver to prospective and current employees an employment proposition that helps us attract, develop, and retain the best and the brightest talent requires us to continually evolve our service offerings and add fresh, new, and more personalized programs to the mix.”