NetApp has announced the promotion of Pamela Hennard to Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO), effective October 31, 2024, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the organization. In her new role, Pamela will take charge of NetApp’s DEI strategy, overseeing initiatives that span the entire employee experience, from recruitment to retention and professional development.
With a career spanning over 27 years in human resources, Pamela is well-known for her focus on inclusive talent strategies. Before she was appointed CDIO, she served as Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition, where she played a key role in shaping NetApp’s talent acquisition and recruitment processes. Her experience in this area, combined with her deep passion for diversity, equips her to drive meaningful change across the business.
“I am honored to lead NetApp’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives,” said Pamela. “At its core, DEI is about creating opportunities for everyone, fostering an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. I am excited to take on this challenge and continue working towards a more inclusive future for all.”
George Kurian, CEO of NetApp, expressed his enthusiasm for Pamela’s new role, noting her significant contributions to the company’s culture of inclusivity. “Pamela Hennard’s leadership in diversity has been crucial in embedding inclusive practices into our organization. We are excited to have her lead this mission at a company-wide level,” said Kurian. “Her influence has been invaluable in creating a culture where diverse talent drives our growth and innovation.”
As CDIO, Pamela will lead a wide range of initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive workplace, ensuring that NetApp continues to attract, retain, and empower talent from all backgrounds. With a focus on ensuring that diversity is embedded into every part of the employee journey, from the hiring process to leadership development, Pamela’s leadership is set to accelerate the company’s DEI goals.
NetApp’s leadership sees diversity as not only a moral imperative but a business necessity, with a growing body of evidence showing that diverse teams are more innovative and better equipped to tackle complex challenges. By making diversity a cornerstone of its organizational culture, NetApp is positioning itself to bring forward new ideas, perspectives, and approaches that can fuel the company’s ongoing success in an increasingly competitive global market.
Pamela’s appointment also reflects NetApp’s broader vision of inclusivity as integral to the company’s core values. The company is committed to making diversity a central element of its operations, from ensuring fair hiring practices to creating spaces where all employees can flourish. By prioritizing these values, NetApp aims to set a benchmark for the tech industry and beyond in championing diversity and inclusion at the highest levels of leadership.