Salesforce fired a popular diversity executive.

Salesforce fired a popular diversity executive.

Salesforce Terminates Diversity Executive Amid Cost-Cutting Measures

Salesforce, a leading technology company, quietly terminated the employment of Jacalyn Chapman, a prominent diversity, equity, and inclusion executive, in May, according to sources familiar with the matter. Chapman, who had been with Salesforce for 12 years and served as the Vice President of Equality, Employee Advocacy, and Belonging, was well-liked by her colleagues.

The circumstances surrounding her termination are unclear, but some employees were informed that her role was being eliminated. Known for her direct line to top executives like CEO Marc Benioff and Chief People Officer Brent Hyder, Chapman played a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the company.

Upon learning of her departure, numerous employees expressed their gratitude to Chapman for her contributions to Salesforce on an online card. Colleagues admired her commitment to fostering equality, employee advocacy, and belonging.

Interestingly, Chapman’s termination coincided with a period of aggressive cost-cutting measures at Salesforce. The company has been reducing headcount and costs in recent months, with Chief Business Officer Ebony Beckwith, the only Black executive on Salesforce’s leadership team, also leaving in May.

Unfortunately, Chapman’s departure raises concerns about diversity and inclusion within the company. It comes at a time when Salesforce is already facing a discrimination lawsuit from another Black woman who worked in the Office of Equality, the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion unit. The lawsuit alleges that she was unfairly denied a promotion to vice president and held to different standards than her white colleagues. Salesforce denies these claims.

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Salesforce, led by its philanthropy-minded CEO Marc Benioff, has long strived to be the tech industry’s champion for social justice. However, the company has faced pressure from activist investors to shift its focus to profitability. As a result, Salesforce announced plans earlier this year to lay off 10% of its global workforce, redefine its real estate portfolio, and engage Bain & Company for restructuring assistance.

The layoffs primarily targeted sales, recruiting, and marketing roles, as well as positions in acquired companies such as Tableau, Mulesoft, and Slack. While these cost-cutting measures are financially necessary, some employees perceive changes in the company’s culture as a result.

Salesforce’s commitment to diversity and inclusion remains crucial, especially as it faces both internal and external scrutiny on this front. The termination of a prominent diversity executive raises questions about the company’s dedication to these ideals amidst its pursuit of profitability.

Do you work at Salesforce and have insight or information to share? Contact Ellen Thomas on Signal at 646-847-9416 or [email protected]. Contact Ashley Stewart via the encrypted messaging app Signal (+1-425-344-8242) or email ([email protected]). Use a non-work device.

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