Coleman joined Disney in 2008 as VP, Human Resources, Disney Consumer Products, a role she held for eight years.
The Walt Disney Company has named Sonia Coleman as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective April 8.
Coleman, who most recently has served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, succeeds Paul Richardson, who is leaving the company after more than 15 years at Disney.
Coleman will report directly to Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer. She will be responsible for leading Disney’s human resources strategy, global talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organisational design, cultural development, employee development, compensation, and technology, as well as global security.
Speaking about the appointment, Iger said: “Sonia is widely respected across the company as a gifted leader and strong advocate for our employees. 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 capitalize on the opportunities ahead. I also want to extend my thanks to Paul Richardson for his many years of service to the company and his contributions to numerous ongoing initiatives, including our Heroes Work Here veterans hiring program.”
Coleman added: “It is truly an honour to be named to this role, and I am grateful for the confidence that Bob has placed in me. Disney is unrivalled because of the talent, dedication, and enthusiasm of our cast members and employees. 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.”
Prior to that, Coleman served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Disney General Entertainment from 2017.
Coleman joined Disney in 2008 as Vice President, Human Resources, Disney Consumer Products, a role she held for eight years. Before Disney, Coleman worked at The Children’s Place from 2004 to 2008, where she held several strategic HR roles; and The Home Depot from 1992 to 2004, where she served as the strategic HR leader during a period of large-scale change and complex organizational transformation.
