Boeing Co. has made a significant organizational shift by dismantling its global diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) department, according to a Bloomberg News report. This decision reflects a broader realignment within the company under its new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, who has been vocal about the need for sweeping cultural changes at Boeing. The dissolution of the DEI department is part of a larger restructuring effort where staff from the DEI office are being reassigned to another human resources team focused on talent and employee experience.
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Previously, Boeing had set ambitious goals to enhance diversity, including increasing the representation of Black individuals in its U.S. workforce by 20% by 2025, among other targets. The dismantling of this department comes at a time when the company is facing various challenges, including a prolonged strike by its workers and financial restructuring efforts. Sara Liang Bowen, who served as the vice president leading the DEI department, announced her departure from the company following the department's closure. In her farewell post on LinkedIn, she reflected on her tenure, stating, "It has been the privilege of my lifetime to lead Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Boeing company these past 5+ years." Her exit marks the end of a dedicated leadership role focused solely on DEI initiatives within Boeing.
This move aligns with Boeing's recent initiatives to streamline operations and cut costs, which also includes plans to reduce approximately 17,000 jobs. The company has also recently launched a stock offering aiming to raise up to $24.3 billion to bolster its financial position during these challenging times. The decision to disband the DEI department could be seen in the context of Boeing's strategic pivot towards what some insiders have described as a 'merit-based system'.
This shift might suggest a focus on other corporate priorities like safety, quality, and direct customer support, especially in light of past issues with product safety and ongoing labor disputes. While the move has sparked discussions within the industry about the commitment of corporations to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Boeing maintains that it remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. This change, however, underscores a significant shift in how the company chooses to address these values within its operational framework.