GMMB hires Sharon Jones as Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Growth Officer, MD

Communications agency GMMB has announced the appointment of Sharon Jones as its Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DE&I) & Growth Officer, MD.

Jones, who joins as a Managing Director, will report directly to GMMB’s partner group. She will lead GMMB’s Human Resources Director and HR team, and work closely with GMMB’s DE&I team, which comprises a cross section of employees from all levels of the firm.

“Sharon brings extensive experience and expertise building and implementing robust DE&I programmes that improve employee experiences and organisational offerings to clients,” stated Partner Jaime Zapata. “We are thrilled to have her on board.”

CREATING REAL & LASTING CHANGE

Commenting on her new appointment, Jones said: “GMMB has an impressive reputation and combines two factors that drive my engagement and fulfilment. I’ll be working with people who are committed to effecting real and lasting positive change in the world in an agency environment, where I thrive.”

Jones says she joined GMMB for three reasons: “First, GMMB has an impressive reputation and combines two factors that increase my level of engagement and fulfilment. I’ll get to work with an agency that truly works to create ‘Real and lasting Change in the World; and do so while working in an agency environment, where I thrive. Second, the people I got to know during the interview process confirmed my perception that GMMB is filled with smart, passionate people who love what they do as much as I do. Third, I am confident there is genuine commitment across the agency, at all levels, to do the real work of becoming an anti-racist organisation. We’re going to foster a more equitable and inclusive work environment that will continue to nurture and inspire innovation and spark creativity through an engaged, diverse workforce.”

MEASURING DE&I GROWTH

Unlike most DE&I roles, Jones’ title has the term ‘growth’. “This is a clear business recognition of the direct connection between DE&I and the business. GMMB will grow as a result of improving diversity, equity and inclusion as measured by attracting, developing, engaging, rewarding and retaining talent,” commented Jones. “Ultimately, growth means there will be a measurable impact where we grow our business, our talent base, our clients and our impact. Growth is the result of DE&I.”

Jones has over 30 years of DE&I experience under her belt. Previously, as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Save the Children, Jones was responsible for designing and advancing the organisation’s strategic DE&I vision. She also served in executive-level DE&I positions at My Inclusion @ Work and Ketchum Inc, an Omnicom-owned firm where she was both SVP, HR Director and Director of Diversity and Inclusion.