AMC Networks hires Aisha Thomas-Petit as first diversity officer

US-based AMC Networks has appointed Aisha Thomas-Petit as its first chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

In this newly created role, Thomas-Petit will partner with senior leaders at the company to advance its diversity goals, including setting a roadmap and success measures to build, develop and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce.

AMC seeks to foster diversity and inclusivity both in front of and behind the camera and to tell “original stories that entertain with vivid characters, stories and worlds that show a full spectrum of human experience.”

Thomas-Petit joins AMC Networks from HR services firm ADP, where she was head of diversity, inclusion and corporate social responsibility for its 58,000+ workforce, and previously served as HR director for global operations at Barclays Capital, as well as holding roles at Lehman Brothers and JP Morgan Chase.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion are more than business imperatives that spur creativity and drive innovation; they are at the heart of who we aspire to be and are interwoven into the very fabric of the company,” said Josh Sapan, AMC Networks president and CEO.

“Aisha’s successful track record and passion for integrating business strategy and diverse talent management to drive growth is a great fit for our company, particularly as we continue to shift our business to become more digitally focused.”