Digital workflow platform ServiceNow named former Xerox and Accenture director Karen Pavlin as chief equity and inclusion officer.
The company, which is based in Calilfornia and has 16,000 employees worldwide, said Pavlin will lead its bid to strengthen its inclusion culture, create a “deeper sense of belonging” and “ensure justice. throughout the people-talent ecosystem ”.
After spending 20 years at technology giant Xerox, rising to global managing director, he is the latest managing director and North American inclusion and diversity leader at business strategy firm Accenture.
ServiceNow said Pavlin has been responsible for strengthening and accelerating Accenture’s own efforts to stimulate integration, “systematically influencing processes, building community across the business and creating an environment of leadership accountability.”
Jacqui Canney, chief people officer at ServiceNow, said in a blog post that Pavlin is “a proven leader”.
“At its core, he believes in transparent leadership that gives people the courage to care for and promote each other,” Canney wrote. “She believes in building trust and meaningful connections. She believes in prioritizing psychological safety and caring for a workplace where everyone feels valued, seen and heard.”
Canney added that Pavlin’s “personal journey” was “similar to his career”.
“As a black girl growing up in New Jersey, she was in the minority in her community,” she wrote. “Her father was one of the first African Americans to be drafted into the National Basketball Association, and sports played an important role in Karen’s identity.
“He attended the University of Virginia on a full track scholarship, where he trained hard to become a National Collegiate Athletic Association All-American 400-meter hurdler. His sports experience helped connect him with people from with all the different experiences and backgrounds, which puts him on the path he’s on today.
“I’m grateful Karen was accepted into the ServiceNow family, and I’m excited for her to work to help all of our people grow and prosper.”
Pavlin is based in New York and has global responsibilities.