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| Kimberly Ayers Shariff | |
Kimberly Ayers Shariff has been appointed to the newly created role of executive v-p, director of strategy for diversity, equity & inclusion at Penguin Random House, effective May 10.
She has been chief administrative officer of the American Ballet Theatre since 2017 and a key strategic adviser to all areas of the organization. She was the architect of ABT RISE, ABT's institutional commitment to inclusion and diversity on and in its stages, studios, and classrooms, and within its staff, creatives, audiences and communities. Before that, she worked at several entertainment and arts organizations, including Lincoln Center and BET. She is a lawyer and has held positions that have encompassed business strategy, operations, communications and human resources. "It is within this strong and broad business and cultural foundation that her expertise in DEI has developed," PRH U.S. CEO Madeline McIntosh noted in an announcement about the appointment.
In her new position, Shariff will "have two areas of focus," McIntosh continued. "Annysa Polanco, director, diversity, equity & inclusion, will now report to Kimberly, and the two will work hand in hand to lead us in the continued development and execution of our Strategic Plan. As always, this work will rely heavily on close partnerships with the companywide DE&I Council, our Employee Resource Groups, and many others.
"In addition, as a member of the Board, Kimberly will act as a valued partner for me and for all Board members in our work together running the company. I feel confident that, in Kimberly, we have a leader who will help ensure that a culture of inclusion remains central to our growth strategy. Based on her past experience at ABT, I know she brings with her a deep appreciation for the particular needs of a business based on creativity and the free-flowing exchange of ideas. Her mission will be to work collaboratively to develop and implement a broad-based vision of our future that will be exciting and engaging for all. We are a business whose success is predicated on diversity of thought, perspective, and opinion, and Kimberly will help us greatly in our ongoing work to ensure that all feel welcome and empowered to fully participate in this culture."