Yahoo hires Alicin Reidy-Williamson as chief diversity & culture officer

Yahoo, the global tech and media company, have announced the appointment of Alicin Reidy-Williamson as chief diversity & culture officer. Williamson will report directly to Jim Lanzone, CEO, Yahoo, and will lead the Company’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts globally. This will be in addition to building upon Yahoo’s passionate and positive team culture.

Working closely with the leadership team at Yahoo, Williamson will be based in New York and will grow a diverse workforce and strengthen policies, practices and business to nurture a culture of inclusion.

As part of her responsibilities at Yahoo, she will lead a talented team of DEI and employee-experience practitioners, oversee employee engagement and strategic partnerships, and continue to champion accountability across teams, functions and geographies.

“Prioritising diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do makes us a better company, a better employer and a better contributor to the communities we serve. Alicin has a strong track record of driving DEI innovation and the experience to lead Yahoo during our next stage of growth. She will help to unlock the full potential of our workforce and business that will fully reflect Yahoo’s values and purpose. I look forward to her leadership and partnership,” says Lanzone on Williamson’s appointment.

Williamson joins Yahoo from Endeavor, a global leader in sports, entertainment and fashion operating in more than 30 countries. There, she served as the chief inclusion officer.

Williamson carries close to 25 years of experience in building and leading cultures at various organisations. Prior to Endeavor, she was the managing principal for The Raben Group, a national public policy and communications strategy firm, where she developed the DEI practice for the organisation.

Williamson also spent 13 years at Viacom and MTV Networks, launching the efforts in corporate responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and public affairs, while managing their growth.

“In my conversations with leaders across Yahoo, it is clear the company’s DEI culture runs deep, and impacts every employee at every level. By leveraging the power of this culture, we can drive business results while accelerating employee engagement and experiences that create access, advocacy and community. Yahoo’s long-standing commitment to an inclusive workplace coupled with its new transformation makes it an exciting time to join the company,” admits Williamson.

Williamson’s passion extends beyond the corporate environment and into her community. She is on the board of March on Washington Film Festival, the Diversity Advisory Council Chair for Operation Homefront, and She Should Run.