Hilton’s Diversity Strategy Underscores Recruiting Efforts in a Time of Deep Job Cuts
Photo Credit: Despite a recent high-profile layoff from its diversity team, Hilton leaders say they remain committed to diversity and inclusion — even in tough economic times. Wikimedia / Chanilim714
Skift Take
Hotel companies like Hilton can't let the catastrophic impact of coronavirus deter diversity and inclusion initiatives at all levels of employment and ownership.
Coronavirus survival mode doesn’t mean losing sight of diversity and inclusion commitments, according to Hilton’s global head of diversity and talent.
Hilton is navigating through the worst year in its 101-year history, as the coronavirus-related implosion in travel demand forced the company to lay off roughly 22 percent of its corporate workforce last month. Jon Muñoz, the company’s vice president of global diversity and inclusion, was part of the job cuts.
But while Hilton is battling an economic and public health crisis, Black Lives Matters protests across the world compel leaders to address systemic racism.
It is undoubtedly poor timing for Hilton to eliminate a position tied to diversity and inclusion, even during a terrible year for travel. But Hilton Chief Talent Officer Laura Fuentes argued Muñoz’s departure shouldn’t be seen as Hilton turning its back on such important issues.
“We were facing extraordinary challenges as a company and had to make hea
