McDonald's names new Global Chief Diversity Officer

McDonald's announced this week that it has appointed Reggie Miller its new Global Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, effective November 9. He replaces Wendy Lewis, who retired in September. Miller has been working on diversity for large employers for the last few years: he was previously Vice President, Global Inclusion and Diversity at outdoor apparel brand VF Corporation, and before that Director of Diversity Strategy and Support at Walmart.

"I'm proud to be joining McDonald’s at a time where diverse voices and perspectives are not just celebrated, but engaged in accelerating meaningful change," Miller said of his appointment in a note to employees.

In another letter to employees, McDonald's Chief Human Resources Officer Heidi Capozzi wrote: "In order to move forward, we must move away from the notion that the responsibility of diversity lies with one person, one department or one group...It is not solely the job of those with 'diversity' in their titles."

Miller's appointment comes at a time when McDonald's is facing major issues around its handling of racism and sexism. This year, the fast food giant has already been hit with a series of racial discrimination lawsuits brought by franchisees, executives, and front line worker. Last November, it fired previous CEO Steve Easterbrook on charges of sexual harassment and then sued him to reclaim his severance package. Former head of HR David Fairhurst was also fired around the same period, for similar reasons.