The Walt Disney Company has named Sonia Coleman as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) of the company, effective April 8. Coleman, who most recently has served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Disney Entertainment and ESPN, succeeded Paul Richardson, who is leaving the company after more than 15 years at Disney.

Her appointment to the post was announced by Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer.

As CHRO, Coleman will be responsible for leading Disney’s human resources strategy, global talent acquisition, leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organisational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation and benefits, HR operations and technology, and global security. 

“Sonia’s 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,” Iger said.

“Disney is unrivaled 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,” Coleman said.

Prior to that, Coleman served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources for Disney General Entertainment from 2017. 

Coleman, who joined Disney in 2008, has served the company in various roles and responsibilities including Vice President, Human Resources.

Before Disney, Coleman worked at The Children’s Place from 2004 to 2008, 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 organisational transformation.

Coleman has a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational leadership from Chapman University and a Master of Science degree in Human Resource Management from Florida International University.