R/GA's global executive director of equity, diversity and inclusion to depart

R/GA Global Executive Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Carl Desir is departing, Ad Age has learned. Desir declined comment but a spokesperson for the Interpublic Group of Cos. shop confirmed his planned exit, saying his last is Friday and that he would be leaving R/GA for an unspecified new role. The spokesperson said the agency will announce his replacement next week but that the person who takes over will be assuming a refreshed equity, diversity and inclusion position that aims to "drive our initiatives more cohesively" across the entire company. "We express our sincere thanks to Carl and his commitment and efforts, and we will remain committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive and diverse R/GA," the spokesperson said in a statement to Ad Age. "We will be throwing out the traditional playbook for [equity, diversity and inclusion], because to truly transform an organization, the pursuit of equality must stem from everyone and permeate each process and system that may hold bias." The spokesperson said the new equity, diversity and inclusion role will be focused on "enabling systemic change—bridging business and talent to create a culture of inclusion, equity and productivity." Desir joined R/GA in May 2018 as diversity and inclusion director. He was promoted to global executive director of equity, diversity and inclusion one year later. Based in the New York office, Desir oversaw and implemented all of the agency's diversity practices. Before R/GA, Desir spent six years at the 4A's, most recently as VP of talent initiatives. He also served as an advisory board chair for Adcolor from 2012 to 2015 and held account management and strategy roles at agencies including Translation, J. Walter Thompson (now Wunderman Thompson) and Arnold Worldwide. Desir's exit follows the departure of what seems like R/GA’s entire business transformation practice. Ad Age broke the news two weeks ago that Vice Chairman and Global Chief Strategy Officer Barry Wacksman, Global Chief Innovation Officer Saneel Radia and New York VP Executive Creative Director Mike Rigby would be striking off on their own to start a new consultancy focused in business transformation. It was later learned that joining them would be Rachel Mercer, R/GA's VP and head of strategy in New York; Colby Dennison, global head of operations, business transformation; and Philip Rackin, VP of business transformation. Contributing: E.J. Schultz

R/GA's global executive director of equity, diversity and inclusion to depart

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