US: Brown-Forman appoints chief diversity officer

US spirits and wine marketer Brown-Forman has announced the appointment of Ralph de Chabert to the newly created position of chief diversity officer, with effect from 18 December.

As chief diversity officer, de Chabert will be responsible for developing and implementing a global diversity and inclusion strategy, with an initial focus on the US, the company said.

Brown-Forman added that de Chabert's brief would encompass the company's marketing efforts targeting diverse consumer groups, the composition of its workforce, the diversity of its suppliers and the breadth of its community involvement.

De Chabert spent almost seven years leading the diversity and inclusion efforts at McKesson Corporation, a healthcare services and information technology company based in San Francisco. Prior to joining McKesson, he worked for American President Companies, a global containerised shipping group, and the diversity consulting firm Pope and Associates.

"Ralph has a significant track record of achievement in the area of diversity and inclusion, managing diversity initiatives in public, private, for profit and non-profit sectors," said Brown-Forman chairman and CEO Paul Varga. "As Brown-Forman continues to expand upon the progress it is making in the diversification of its worldwide employee workforce, we look forward to the valuable contributions Ralph will make as part of our global growth strategy."